Explain how Shakespeare explores the idea or ‘fate’ in Romeo and Juliet through his use of language and/or literary devices.

The play of Romeo and Juliet is revolved around the belief and concept of fate. Characters that Shakespeare created in this script were all influenced by the touch of destiny. They believed that ‘God’ had set this path for them and there is no way to change their future that they will eventually encounter. The situations that they were to confront would be the work of ‘God’. This perception of fate was what shaped the beginning, middle and end of the text of Romeo and Juliet. The protagonists use many references to fate throughout the storyline that does turn to the fatal outcome for the play. Throughout this script we get a sense of fate and how Shakespeare portrayed it since it’s not common to hear references to or about fate in everyday life, today.

Multiple coincidences happened throughout the text. These are what shaped the situations that were yet to follow for these characters. Romeo falling in love with a Capulet is one which in their case is predestined from fate. Their families have been mortal enemies for generations. So it had to be a touch of coincidence that they were to meet each other at the Capulet ball. Romeo references when he is about to start the path which leads to his fatal journey ‘Some consequence yet hanging in the stars, shall bitterly begin his fearful date’ he is stating that his death date is near and approaching if he goes to the party. This of course is what happens because he goes to this party and meets Juliet. This was the path that both the protagonists were led to fall into. It seems ironic that they were to meet because of their family history that is the main reason why their fate was sealed to be death in the first place. The theory of fate and coincidences go hand in hand because they both shape the outcome and the direction of the play.

Juliet commonly used the language of foreshadowing in her most emotional expressions and remarks . This is when the protagonist innocently makes a reference about their fate, with the result of that event actually happening later on in the script. This is also known as dramatic irony in this text. When Juliet states ‘delay this marriage for a month, a week, or if you do not, make the bridal bed in that dim monument where Tybalt lies’ it’s ironic because the audience actually knows the fatal outcome that she will eventually kill herself. Shakespeare used dramatic irony throughout the text to create tension for the audience because they know the fate of the two protagonists before they know it themselves. This is what makes the play such a tragedy because it makes the reader believe ‘what if?’ even though it’s known that the final outcome is set and it cannot be changed. We are accustomed to seeing and reading texts with a positive ending. It gives the reader suspense when it’s known that the protagonist will eventually die but still believes there could be a possibility for a positive ending.

Metaphors are a key component of how the protagonists describe fate in this text. Romeo particularly uses the language of metaphors to present his views and opinions on the situation that has just occured. When Romeo spoke ‘ O, I am fortune’s fool’. He is meaning that he is a fool for letting ‘fortune’ to lead him to slay the blood of his now kin. This event is really what leads to the ending because the consequence of these actions is being banished from Mantua, which makes communication difficult for Romeo and Juliet, hence the ending. Romeo has been led along the path of his fortune and him referring to being a fool creates the idea that he has been a led into his fate without his noticing or doing anything to avoid it. ‘He, that hath the steerage of my course, direct my sail.’ When Romeo expresses this quote he is referring to whoever is directing his fate, direct him into his future. Metaphors are a component of this text because it connects the characters thoughts and views with fate into words that we can understand and have empathy for the protagonists in the situation at hand.

The text of Romeo and Juliet’s key component is fate which does mould the final outcome and situations throughout the play. The concept of fate is exhibited by coincidences, foreshadowing and metaphors. The protagonists describe and experience their fate throughout the novel. The tale of Romeo and Juliet effects the reader because it teaches new lessons they most likely have not had the chance to face yet. Most of these lessons for the common audience they will never have to experience. This is what makes the text of Romeo and Juliet so unique and so widely praised for such a great amount of time.