‘Shakespeare intends the audience to see that the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet was destined to happen’
In the play, Romeo and Juliet written by William Shakespeare, is about two “star crossed” lovers who are destined to end in a tragic accident. Fate is the path that leads to the future and cannot be altered no matter the outcome. Set in Shakespearean time, fate was believed to be in control of people’s lives. The fact that Romeo and Juliet would never live a peaceful life, none of the tragedies would have not taken place if they had not met. In the prologue of the play, Shakespeare outlines that “two star’d crossed lovers take their life”. This foreshadowing creates the sense that fate shall claim superiority. The powerful nature of Romeo …show more content…

‘Romeo and Juliet’ explores themes of fate on several levels such as when the two lovers met and thought of marriage at first sight. Shakespeare does this to persuade the audience that fate is the main reason for Romeo and Juliet’s tragic downfall. Both were responsible for their own deaths however fate put the two lovers into a suicidal mindset.
Before Romeo and Juliet’s death, fate led them into suicidal thoughts. When Juliet was pretending to be dead, Friar Lawrence sends a message to Romeo where he is banished to instruct him about the plan, but unfortunately does not get delivered. Friar Lawrence blames “Unhappy fortune” meaning that it was fate’s fault for not getting the letter to Romeo in time. When Romeo’s servant Balthasaur discovers Juliet’s death, he informs Romeo where he “Defy you stars”. Saying this Romeo believes that fate is in control but does not want to obey it. Mercutio who says “A plague on both your houses!” before his death creates the foreshadowing of when Romeo purchases poison from the Apothecary to kill himself. When Juliet awakens to discover Romeo and Paris dead, Friar Lawrence says that “A greater power than we can contradict that thwarted our intents: come, come away!” this quote means that fate has decided to not allow Romeo and Juliet to be together and also prevented Friar Lawrence from arriving in time.