Romeo & Juliet Key Theme: Fate (Edexcel IGCSE English Literature)
Revision Note
Fate mind map
The theme of fate in each act of Romeo and Juliet:
Act | Quote | Summary |
|---|---|---|
1 | “A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life” - The Chorus | The Prologue informs the audience of Romeo and Juliet’s fate in the play |
2 | “But He that hath the steerage of my course, direct my sail” - Romeo | Romeo entrusts his life to fate, suggesting that he is powerless to control events |
3 | “O, I am Fortune’s Fool!” - Romeo | Romeo addresses fate after the deaths of Mercutio and Tybalt, implying he has little autonomy over his life |
4 | “Farewell! God knows when we shall meet again” - Juliet | As Juliet prepares to drink the potion, she says goodbye to her mother, foreshadowing the separation fate will bring |
5 | “I defy you, Stars!” - Romeo | Upon learning of Juliet’s death, Romeo curses fate and resolves to kill himself beside 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.
Character | Impact |
|---|---|
Romeo | Romeo repeatedly refers to fate throughout the play and is aware of the power fate holds over his life, saying he feels something is “hanging in the stars”:
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Juliet | Juliet also repeatedly refers to fate and foreshadows Romeo's death: “… and, when he shall die, / Take him and cut him out in little stars”:
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Mercutio | Mercutio mocks the idea of fate but becomes a victim of it, with his death escalating the feud even further:
|
Tybalt | Tybalt’s challenge of a duel with Romeo leads to Mercutio’s death which sets off a chain of events leading to Romeo’s banishment:
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Friar Laurence | It is ill-fated that the Friar’s letter fails to get to Romeo and that the Friar fails to reach the tomb before the mistake is made and Romeo kills himself:
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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.)
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