The Role of Fate In Romeo and Juliet Tommy Todd, Mark Ibrahim, Sam Steinberg
Introduction We are spinning our own fates, good or evil, never to be undone (William James). Thesis: The role of fate heavily influences the lives of the “star- crossed lovers” and the tragedy the follows. Proven by examining: Friar Laurence Juliet Romeo
Friar Laurence and his encounters with fate The Letter Him marrying Romeo and Juliet The Final scene of their death
Friar Laurence and his encounters with fate: The Friar’s letter The letter friar sent to romeo not being sent on time leading to Romeo not knowing the plan. “Unhappy fortune! By my brotherhood, / The letter was not nice but full of charge, / of dear import, and the neglecting it / may do much danger.” (5.3 17 - 20).
Friar Laurence and his encounters with fate: The Marriage of R&J The friar being a religious person has a connection with fate and warns Romeo and Juliet of the consequences of their marriage “These violent delights have violent ends,”(2.6 9 - 15).
Friar Laurence and his encounters with fate: Death of R&J The Friar’s plan would have worked if it weren't for fate’s interference and Romeo and Juliet would have lived happily ever after. “What an unkind hour / is guilty of this lamentable chance!” (5.3 145 - 146).
The Fate of Juliet one of the star-crossed lovers
The Fate of Juliet one of the star-crossed lovers Romeo’s death Evidence: “Here’s to my love! / [Drinks] O true apothecary! / Thy drugs are quick. / Thus with a kiss I die” (5.3 119-120).
The Fate of Juliet one of the star-crossed lovers Juliet seals her fate when she drinks the potion Evidence: “Romeo, Romeo, Romeo! Here’s drink.----I drink to thee” (4.3 58).
The Fate of Juliet one of the star-crossed lovers Lord Capulet wishes, juliet marry the man she is in love with. Evidence: “ But woo her, gentle Paris, get her heart, / My will to her consent is but a part; / And she agreed, within her scope of choice, / Lies my consent and fair according voice” (1.2 16-19).
The fate of Romeo leads to tragedy
The fate of Romeo leads to tragedy Romeo being born into the Montague family ends in his demise. “I take thee at thy word: Call me but love, and I’ll be new baptis’d: / Henceforth I never will be Romeo” (2.2.50-51).
The fate of Romeo leads to tragedy Romeo’s uncontrollable emotions cause his banishment and death after he blames fate for Mercutio’s death. “This day’s black fate on moe days doth depend, / This but begins the woe others must end” (3.1.115-116).
The fate of Romeo leads to tragedy Romeo blames fate for the loss of his only love. “Is it e’en so? then I defy you, stars!” (5.1.24).
Conclusion The role of fate in Romeo and Juliet lead to the ultimate tragedy. Proven by examining Friar Lawrence Juliet Romeo “All good things come to an end.”