One of the oldest and most debated questions of all time is whether our lives are governed by fate or by our personal choice. A definition of fate would be a power which is believed to settle ahead of time how things will happen. William Shakespeare, in Romeo and Juliet, brings this question to the surface. Although fate seems to control what happens to Romeo and Juliet their choices contribute more to their fate than fate itself. Although some reasons that Romeo and Juliet die are out of their control, fate is not the largest reason that the lovers end up dying. For example, when Romeo hears of Juliet's death before it is brought to light that it is a false death. Romeo heard of his love's death and rushed to her side to murder himself so he may lay with Juliet. "Well, Juliet, I will lay with thee tonight". The choice for Romeo to end his life is his alone; no one else is responsible for his decision. The unfortunate circumstance that stops the Friar's assistant from delivering his message also aids the death of the lover's but does not produce their deaths. Romeo acts immaturely in the play, as he never considers the consequences of his actions. If Romeo had not killed Tybalt, Juliet's cousin then he would never have been banished. Romeo angry and acting how he always does without thinking kills Tybalt. Tybalt being Juliet's cousin will cause great strain on the relationship of them both. Romeo may have had a chance of being accepted into Juliet's home before he killed Tybalt, but certainly not after. Also, Juliet could have explained to her family about her marriage to Romeo, accepted the consequences and then there would be no need for the fateful message. She could have also ended their relationship before it started. "My only love sprung from my only hate! Too early see unknown, and known too late! prodigious birth of love to me that i must love a loathed enemy" This should have been were Juliet realised what may come of their actions.
