From Conflict to Identity: Main Issues Explored in US Literary Education - Sykalo Eugen 2023

What is the role of fate and destiny in William Shakespeare's “Romeo and Juliet”?

In William Shakespeare's tragic masterpiece, "Romeo and Juliet," the role of fate and destiny looms large, casting a shadow of inevitability over the ill-fated love story of the young star-crossed lovers. Set against the backdrop of feuding families and the volatile streets of Verona, the play weaves a narrative that explores the power of fate to shape the lives of its characters and the tragic consequences that arise from their inability to escape its grip.

From the very beginning, Shakespeare establishes the presence of fate as a driving force in the lives of Romeo and Juliet. In the prologue, the chorus describes their love as "death-marked," foreshadowing the tragic outcome that awaits them. This notion of predestined love, determined by the stars, pervades the play, suggesting that the destinies of the lovers are written in the heavens and cannot be altered.

Shakespeare employs various literary techniques to underscore the influence of fate and destiny. The recurring motif of celestial imagery, particularly the references to stars and cosmic forces, reinforces the notion that the lovers' lives are subject to a higher power. Romeo, upon seeing Juliet for the first time, 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." This celestial imagery conveys the idea that Juliet possesses an otherworldly beauty, an ethereal quality that sets her apart and aligns her with the heavens.

Moreover, the characters themselves often speak of their fates in terms of being controlled by external forces beyond their control. Romeo, upon learning of his banishment, exclaims, "Then 'banished' / Is death mistermed. Calling death 'banished,' / Thou cut'st my head off with a golden axe / And smilest upon the stroke that murders me." Here, Romeo perceives his banishment as a death sentence, emphasizing his belief that his fate has been sealed and he is at the mercy of an inexorable destiny.

The role of fate is further underscored through the actions of the supporting characters. Friar Laurence, who plays a pivotal role in the tragic events, acknowledges the influence of fate when he remarks, "These violent delights have violent ends / And in their triumph die, like fire and powder / Which as they kiss consume." The friar's words suggest that the intensity of Romeo and Juliet's love is destined to end in tragedy, as if their passion is too powerful to be contained within the constraints of the mortal world.

However, Shakespeare also explores the interplay between fate and individual agency, suggesting that while fate may play a role, the characters have some control over their own destinies. Romeo and Juliet, despite the constraints imposed by their families' feud and the machinations of fate, exercise their own free will in pursuing their love. They actively choose to defy societal expectations and risk everything for their forbidden union, demonstrating a willingness to shape their own destiny.

In the climactic scene of the play, when Juliet awakens to find Romeo dead beside her, she laments, "O happy dagger! / This is thy sheath; there rust, and let me die." In this moment, Juliet takes agency over her own life, choosing to join Romeo in death rather than live without him. This act of self-determination emphasizes the complex relationship between fate and individual choice, suggesting that the characters are not entirely at the mercy of their predetermined destinies.

Shakespeare's exploration of fate and destiny in "Romeo and Juliet" serves as a reminder of the fragility of human existence and the inescapable grip of circumstances beyond our control. The play's tragic ending reinforces the notion that the forces of fate and destiny, while perhaps influenced by individual actions, ultimately shape the outcome of our lives. It serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of blindly succumbing to predetermined paths and the tragic consequences that can arise from such surrender.

"Romeo and Juliet" raises profound questions about the nature of fate, the power of love, and the complexities of human agency. Shakespeare's masterful exploration of these themes continues to resonate with audiences, reminding us of the eternal struggle between destiny and free will and the tragic consequences that can result from the collision of these opposing forces.