Fate is the development of events beyond one’s control. It holds the future, and is kept within the stars above. Often, fate is the reason behind events that we cannot explain. In William Shakespeare’s tragic romance Romeo and Juliet, two star-cross’d lovers find themselves in a struggle to act upon their inexplicable love for one another. However, it is understood that their love is carried out in heaven, not on earth. Although their deaths are predetermined, foreshadowing elevates this dramatic irony by indicating that Romeo and Juliet cannot live a life together on earth. Their future is held within the stars, and they fulfill their fate as they attempt to live this forbidden life. Foreshadowing emphasizes the assertion that Romeo and Juliet’s
…show more content…
It allows for Romeo and Juliet’s deaths to be foreseen, however at the same time leaves questions unanswered until the deaths take place. When the lovers meet for what would be their last time on earth, Juliet claims that Romeo looks as if he is dead, as he is descending from her window. “O God, I have an ill-divining soul!/Methinks I see thee now, thou art so low/As one dead in the bottom of a tomb” (III. 5. 53-55). This foreshadows Romeo’s death, as he leaves Juliet for the last time. Since the knowledge of Romeo’s death is present, the foreshadowing allows us to see how fate will unfold the future upon them. Literary critic Robert N. Watson states, “In a play laden with foreshadowings, and fates adumbrated since birth, Juliet here shows her precocious and prodigious determination to see what others might perceive as a dangerous fall as instead a positive choice…” (16). Throughout the play, the indications of the inevitable death of Romeo and Juliet allow for the exaggeration of dramatic irony. When Juliet portrays Romeo as deceased, it emphasizes the fact that the two will never be together on earth, but in heaven instead. Romeo envisions the death when he and Juliet first meet. He …show more content…
Although this was determined from the beginning of their love for one another, they fulfill this fate through their actions. Norman N. Holland, an English professor from the State University of New York at Buffalo, states that man chooses their actions, however they carry out God’s course which he has set for them at the same time (2). Romeo and Juliet both fulfill God’s plan for them throughout the play. When Romeo and Juliet are joined in marriage, Juliet says, “Do thou but close our hands with holy words, / Then love-devouring death do what he dare; / It is enough I may but call her mine” (II. 6. 6-8). This marriage would lead to the inevitable deaths of Romeo and Juliet. However, this would carry out God’s plan for them, as they are destined to live life together in heaven. According to Holland, “...a man’s fate is predetermined, he determines it by choosing as he goes along. God knows everything that is going to happen, but we make it happen” (2). Each day, as man lives their daily lives, they subconsciously lead towards their future which God has planned for them. When Romeo slays Tybalt, he is acting out of anger, but is also leading to his future without realizing it. After he realizes the consequences of his actions, he says, “O, I am fortune’s fool!” (III. 1. 98.). Romeo is explaining that he is unlucky and that his rash decision to kill Tybalt was an action which he will be
It allows for Romeo and Juliet’s deaths to be foreseen, however at the same time leaves questions unanswered until the deaths take place. When the lovers meet for what would be their last time on earth, Juliet claims that Romeo looks as if he is dead, as he is descending from her window. “O God, I have an ill-divining soul!/Methinks I see thee now, thou art so low/As one dead in the bottom of a tomb” (III. 5. 53-55). This foreshadows Romeo’s death, as he leaves Juliet for the last time. Since the knowledge of Romeo’s death is present, the foreshadowing allows us to see how fate will unfold the future upon them. Literary critic Robert N. Watson states, “In a play laden with foreshadowings, and fates adumbrated since birth, Juliet here shows her precocious and prodigious determination to see what others might perceive as a dangerous fall as instead a positive choice…” (16). Throughout the play, the indications of the inevitable death of Romeo and Juliet allow for the exaggeration of dramatic irony. When Juliet portrays Romeo as deceased, it emphasizes the fact that the two will never be together on earth, but in heaven instead. Romeo envisions the death when he and Juliet first meet. He …show more content…
Although this was determined from the beginning of their love for one another, they fulfill this fate through their actions. Norman N. Holland, an English professor from the State University of New York at Buffalo, states that man chooses their actions, however they carry out God’s course which he has set for them at the same time (2). Romeo and Juliet both fulfill God’s plan for them throughout the play. When Romeo and Juliet are joined in marriage, Juliet says, “Do thou but close our hands with holy words, / Then love-devouring death do what he dare; / It is enough I may but call her mine” (II. 6. 6-8). This marriage would lead to the inevitable deaths of Romeo and Juliet. However, this would carry out God’s plan for them, as they are destined to live life together in heaven. According to Holland, “...a man’s fate is predetermined, he determines it by choosing as he goes along. God knows everything that is going to happen, but we make it happen” (2). Each day, as man lives their daily lives, they subconsciously lead towards their future which God has planned for them. When Romeo slays Tybalt, he is acting out of anger, but is also leading to his future without realizing it. After he realizes the consequences of his actions, he says, “O, I am fortune’s fool!” (III. 1. 98.). Romeo is explaining that he is unlucky and that his rash decision to kill Tybalt was an action which he will be