Write a 5 Paragraph Essay about Romeo and Juliet are referred to as “star-cross’d lovers.” What is most responsible for the outcome of the play: destiny or the characters actions? Write in MLA format
In William Shakespeare's classic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet are often described as “star-cross’d lovers,” a term that suggests their fate is predetermined and doomed from the start. The play revolves around the ill-fated love story between two young individuals from feuding families, the Montagues and the Capulets. While many may argue that destiny is the driving force behind the tragic outcome of the play, one cannot ignore the role that the characters' actions play in shaping their own destinies.
Throughout the play, Romeo and Juliet's actions contribute significantly to the tragic events that unfold. Both characters make impulsive decisions that ultimately lead to their downfall. Romeo and Juliet rush into marriage after only knowing each other for a short period of time, ignoring the long-standing feud between their families. Their hasty decisions and reckless behavior set off a chain of events that lead to their untimely deaths. Juliet's plan to fake her own death in order to be with Romeo also backfires, resulting in a tragic misunderstanding that leads to both lovers taking their own lives.
However, despite the characters’ actions playing a significant role in the outcome of the play, one cannot ignore the role of destiny in shaping their tragic fate. The play is filled with instances of fate and destiny at work, from the opening prologue that foreshadows the lovers' deaths to the series of unfortunate events that lead to their untimely demise. The feud between the Montagues and Capulets, which predates Romeo and Juliet's existence, sets the stage for their tragic end. The lovers are constantly bound by the circumstances of their birth, ultimately unable to break free from the fate that awaits them.
In addition to the presence of fate and the characters' actions, the play also explores the role of external influences in shaping the outcome. The interference of parental figures, such as Lord Capulet and Friar Laurence, adds to the complexity of the lovers' tragic fate. Lord Capulet's insistence on Juliet marrying Paris against her wishes, and Friar Laurence's misguided attempt to help Romeo and Juliet only serve to further complicate the situation. These external influences contribute to the tragic outcome of the play, highlighting the importance of both destiny and the characters' actions in shaping their fates.
Ultimately, it is a combination of destiny and the characters' actions that leads to the tragic outcome of Romeo and Juliet. While the lovers are undoubtedly star-crossed, their impulsive decisions and reckless behavior only serve to further seal their fate. The play serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of acting on impulse and the importance of considering the long-term consequences of one's actions. Shakespeare's exploration of the interplay between destiny and free will in Romeo and Juliet serves as a timeless reminder of the power of fate and the role that our own choices play in shaping our destinies.