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Romeo and Juliet: Who Was at Fault

In: English and Literature

Submitted By Jssn
Words 1655
Pages 7
“Actions are the seed of fate deeds grow into destiny.” (U.S. President Harry S. Truman)
Omnipresent, whether for better or worse, fate is perpetually presiding over our lives, this notion acknowledged particularly in works of literature, specifically in Shakespearean plays. Considered by some illogical, fate is a highly controversial topic, defying both reason and rationality. Yet, precisely, how is fate derived? Is it really just chance pulling the strings? Does one possess no input to his/her own life? I think not.
Upon closer investigation, one’s fate is determined not only by fortuity, but also as a result of one’s own actions. Both fate and one’s own accord are key elements that correlate to a specific occurrence or chain of occurrences. One such example includes William Shakespeare’s tragic play, Romeo and Juliet. In Romeo and Juliet, Romeo and Juliet’s fates were dependent on various constituents, some of which were inevitable nonetheless or due to chance, some due to one or another’s own accord, yet all of which ultimately led to their demises.
Character is a crucial contributor to one’s fate. Both Romeo and Juliet display very prominent foibles that contributed to their demises. Impatient and naïve by nature, this duo’s flaws in character would ultimately beseech their tragic, death-marked love affair. For instance, in Act 2, scene 2, when Romeo was courting Juliet on her balcony the same night that he had made her acquaintance, Juliet declared, “If that thy bent of love be honorable, thy purpose marriage, send me word tomorrow, by one that I’ll procure to come to thee, where and what time thou wilt perform the rite, and all my fortunes at thy foot I’ll lay and follow thee my lord throughout the world.” (Lines 143-148) How naïve. The couple had just encountered each other that very night, and yet, Juliet is boldly stating that unless Romeo’s love did

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