Fate Notes

“a pair of star-crossed lovers” Chorus

They are doomed from the start. As the stars have already decided what will happen, they just have to accept it.

“Stay fellow, I can read” – Romeo Act 1 Scene 2

It was fate that the servant met Romeo, who could read. As was the fact that Benvolio was with him to persuade him to go to the Capulet ball.

“But he that hath the steerage of my course direct my sail.” - Romeo Act 1 Scene 4

Romeo gives over to fate and accepts things will happen as they are meant to.

“hanging in the stars” – Romeo Act 1 Scene 4

Everything is up to fate, Romeo accepts that it is up to the stars to decide.

“I will withdraw, but this intrusion shall, now seeming sweet, convert to bitterest gall” - Tybalt

This is a threat to Romeo and is a reference to Romeo and Juliet’s love resulting in the death of many young people.

“My grave is like to be my wedding bed.” – Juliet Act 1 Scene 5

Juliet correctly predicts what is to come.

“Wisely and slow, they stumble that run fast.” – Friar Lawrence Act 2 Scene 4

Their love was too rushed and ended in disaster as a result.

“So smile the heavens upon this holy act, That after-hours with sorrow chide us not.” – Friar Lawrence Act 2 Scene 6

Friar Lawrence correctly forewarns of the misery that is to follow the joy of the wedding.

“And if we meet we shall not scape a brawl” – Benvolio Act 3 Scene 1

Benvolio, the peacekeeper of the play, is attempting to persuade his kinsmen to retire lest a fight break out, which it does.

“A plague a’ both your houses!” – Mercutio Act 3 Scene 1

Mercutio’s death is the turning point of the play, after his death the humour is gone from the play. He blames both Romeo and Tybalt for his death, and so curses them both.

“This day’s black fate on moe days doth depend, This but begins the woe others must end.” – Romeo Act 3 Scene 1

Romeo announces this to be the turning point of the play, and that whilst the young shall die, it is the others who must bear the burden of grieving.

“What must be shall be.” – Juliet Act 3 Scene 5

Juliet surrenders to fate and acknowledges that things are going to happen the way they are, whilst also being ambiguous to her parents.

“I’ll have this knot knit up tomorrow morning.” – Capulet Act 4 Scene 2

Capulet brings forward the date of the wedding, throwing all of Friar Lawrence carefully laid plans into turmoil.

“Therefore love moderately, long love doth so; Too swift arrives as tardy as too slow.” – Friar Lawrence

Friar Lawrence warns of the dangers of rushing their love, which they have done so by getting married one day after meeting, and that no good will come of it.

‘I defy you stars!’-RomeoAct 5, Scene 1

Romeo is angry with fate. (Though he does not defy them)

‘Unhappy fortune!’-Friar LawrenceAct 5, Scene2

The Friar already knows what has happened and what may come. He uses an oxymoron.