Romeo And Juliet: Choice Or Fate

Although faith and choice can both drive your life, it is more likely that you choose to live your life. While fate is the primary reason Romeo and Juliet were brought up in two different families, they are also responsible for their deaths, there are some quotes that show that fate is not the only factor.

Romeo’s faults are his impulsive acts and his tendency not to think rationally and reason rationally. His impulsive actions lead him to make the decision to kill Tybalt for Mercutio’s murder, even though Tybalt was likely to be exiled and killed by his prince. He makes the quick and illogical decision to take his own life. Romeo’s most irrational and rash decision-making is when he sees Juliet as beautiful, but fails to notice that she is not actually dead. Romeo’s line: “Death,” Romeo says. Thou art still unconquered. Beauty is yet to be conquered. (act 5 scene 3 lines 92-95)”. Romeo might have realized that Juliet was still alive if he had thought a little more rationally in that moment. This play is ironically tragic because fate didn’t allow Friar Laurence to write Juliet’s fake death explanation. Romeo’s choices, and particularly his refusal to let fate’s letter explaining Juliet’s fake death go through, make this play so tragic. This is most evident in Prince Escalus’s speeches. In the final scene, he states, “See what a shame is laid on your hate” (303-04). He isn’t saying fate is responsible, but rather that their hatred is to be blamed, and Capulet, Montague chose to continue the feud.

Shakespeare is clear that fate can play a part in some circumstances but ultimately it is the choices that cause tragic deaths.

Author

  • laurynhines

    Lauryn Hines is a 36-year-old blogger and volunteer. She has a master's degree in education and has worked as a teacher and school administrator. Lauryn is also a passionate advocate for volunteerism and has been involved in numerous volunteer projects throughout her life. She is the founder of the blog Volunteer Forever, which is dedicated to helping people find the perfect volunteer opportunity.

laurynhines Written by:

Lauryn Hines is a 36-year-old blogger and volunteer. She has a master's degree in education and has worked as a teacher and school administrator. Lauryn is also a passionate advocate for volunteerism and has been involved in numerous volunteer projects throughout her life. She is the founder of the blog Volunteer Forever, which is dedicated to helping people find the perfect volunteer opportunity.

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