Romeo and Juliet Key Theme: Fate (AQA GCSE English Literature)

Fate mind map  

The theme of fate in each act of Romeo and Juliet:

What are the elements of fate in Romeo and Juliet?

Shakespeare uses the theme of fate to reinforce the idea that the characters are powerless against the larger forces of destiny. The elements of fate in the play include: 

• The Prologue: Shakespeare introduces the ill-fated relationship between Romeo and Juliet:

  • They are described as “a pair of star-crossed lovers” whose love is “death-marked”

  • The playwright ensures the audience is aware from the very beginning that their tragic end is inevitable and unavoidable

• Romeo’s encounter with a Capulet servant: As a consequence, Romeo attends the Capulet ball and meets Juliet:

  • Romeo claims it is his “fortune” to have read the invitation

• Friar Laurence’s warning: Romeo is advised that people’s impulsive actions often have very negative and destructive consequences:

  • It suggests Romeo's fate is already predetermined: “These violent delights have violent ends”

• Premonitions and warnings: Romeo and Juliet repeatedly see omens suggesting that the love between them is in opposition to their destiny:

  • “Methinks I see… / As one dead in the bottom of a tomb”

• Mercutio’s death: After being stabbed, Mercutio states “a plague o’ both your houses”:

  • His curse acts as a reminder that the tragedy is fated by other characters’ actions

• The plague: Fate intervenes as a plague prevents Friar John from delivering Friar Laurence’s letter to Romeo and as a result, Romeo buys the poison to kill himself:

  • Fate contributes to the tragic timing of Romeo’s suicide and Juliet’s awakening

The impact of fate on characters

Fate is a powerful force in the play and its significance is evident from the Prologue’s opening words when the tragic outcome of the play’s events is established. There are many references to the universe and stars in the play and many characters are impacted by fate.

Fate contributes to the dramatic tension and the tragic tone of the play.

Why does Shakespeare use the theme of fate in his play?

1.  Setting and atmosphere 

• Creates an element of inevitability 

• Establishes a tragic tone

2. Plot driver 

• Creates a cyclical structure from the opening scene to the final act

• Influences crucial plot points such as Romeo and Juliet's initial meeting and eventual deaths

3. Audience appeal 

• Reflects the Elizabethan’s fascination with astrology and predestination

• Appeals to both Elizabethan and modern audiences through the universal theme of fate and love

4. Dramatic device  

• Creates dramatic irony which means the audience is fully aware of the tragic ending

• Adds tension and suspense as the characters attempt to defy fate

Exam-style questions on the theme of fate

Try planning a response to the following essay questions as part of your revision of the theme of fate: 

• How does Shakespeare use the deaths of Romeo and Juliet to reinforce the inevitability of fate? (You could start with the Prologue.)

• Explore how fate manipulates time and events, leading to the tragic ending of the play. (You could start with Act 3, Scene 1.)