THE ROLE OF FATE IN ROMEO AND JULIET (ESSAY)
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In Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, the role of fate is a significant theme that drives the story forward. The idea of fate is introduced in the very first lines of the play when the chorus states: "From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes a pair of star-crossed lovers take their life." This passage suggests that the doomed love affair between Romeo and Juliet is predetermined by some sort of higher power or force.
Throughout the play, various characters express a belief in fate and its power to dictate their lives. For example, Romeo himself is convinced that his fate is sealed when he says, "There is no world without Verona walls, but purgatory, torture, hell itself. Hence-banished is banish'd from the world, and world's exile is death. Then banished is death mis-term'd. Call'd death banish'd, thou cut'st my head off with a golden axe, and smilest upon the stroke that murders me." This statement suggests that Romeo believes that his banishment from Verona is equivalent to death, and that his fate is inescapable.
The characters in the play also often attribute events to fate or fortune. For example, when Romeo and Juliet meet at the Capulet's party, Romeo exclaims, "O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night as a rich jewel in an Ethiope's ear- beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear! So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows, as yonder lady o'er her fellows shows. The measure done, I'll watch her place of stand, and, touching hers, make blessed my rude hand. Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night." This passage suggests that Romeo believes that his encounter with Juliet was meant to be, and that their love was ordained by fate.
The role of fate is further emphasized in the play through the use of omens and supernatural elements. For example, the chorus mentions "fatal loins," suggesting that the love affair between Romeo and Juliet is doomed from the start. Similarly, the friar's plan to fake Juliet's death with a potion is meant to thwart the couple's fate, but ultimately leads to their tragic end.
Ultimately, the role of fate in Romeo and Juliet serves to heighten the tragic elements of the play. The characters' belief in fate adds a sense of inevitability to their actions and underscores the idea that their fates are beyond their control. The use of omens and supernatural elements further reinforces this idea and adds to the sense of tragedy that permeates the play.