Written in 1595, William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is one of the most powerful and famous plays of all time. The tragedy of Romeo and Juliet was the beginning of a new era of English literature. Countless themes and motifs were revealed throughout the story. The purpose of this essay is to explore a few of the main themes and motifs that significantly impact on the storyline. One theme that is central to understanding Romeo and Juliet is Fate and Destiny. A common motif is Nature – a recurring symbol in the story that gives figurative meaning. This essay will analyze quotes that illustrate the theme of Fate and Destiny, as well as the motif of Nature. .
Fate and Destiny is an important theme in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. From the beginning, it is revealed to audiences that fate and destiny are an integral part of the storyline. .
A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life;.
Whose misadventured piteous overthrows.
(I.Prologue.6-7).
In the prologue, the narrator identifies that the entire story line is based on destiny not choices. From the beginning of the play, the readers and the characters knew that fate and destiny controls the characters.
Is it e'en so? Then I defy you, stars!.
Thou know'st my lodging.
(V.I.24-25).
When Romeo believes that Juliet is dead he says that he defies fate, by defying what is written in the stars. He refuses to accept that Juliet is dead. What Romeo does not realize is that he has no control over his destiny. No matter how angry or motivated he is to change what is written in the stars, he cannot. It is already predetermined. This part completes the idea of Romeo and Juliet's love is an opposition to the decrees of destiny.
By the end of the story, it is clear that fate permeates the events and speeches in the play. .
Of death, contagion, and unnatural sleep.
A greater power than we can contradict.
(V.III.163-165).
Juliet wakes up from the sleeping potion and asks the friar where Romeo is.
