Romeo & Juliet Essay

Romeo is “fortune’s fool” because he is unable to escape his destiny. Romeo’s fortune is unchangeable so he cannot define his future. Romeo’s fortune is written in the stars making it unalterable, also despite his constant efforts to find happiness which fate sabotages. The family feud between Montagues and Capulets and his own stupidity both contribute to his exile and ultimate downfall. Romeo cannot triumph over his fate, instead he is an implement made for failure.

Fate is to blame for Romeo’s failure to find happiness. Romeo’s fortune is to die and not live happily ever after with Juliet. The two are first referred to as “from the fatal loins of these two foes/ a pair of star-crossed lovers take their life”. This shows that even from the beginning Romeo’s fortune has been destined for failure. This is further evident in the constant prophecies that “hanging in the stars, shall bitterly begin his fearful date… by some vile forfeit of untimely death”. This also shows that his misfortune is written in the stars and there is no escaping death. The constant references to fate show that Romeo is depicted as “fortune’s fool”.

Romeo’s true love, Juliet of the Capulet family shows that fate is teasing Romeo. Romeo cannot find happiness with Juliet when their love is constantly interrupted. Romeo finds love in “my (his) only love sprung from my only hate”, which shows that Romeo is destined to misery. The “love devouring death” and their “death-marked love” that exists in the play make it impossible to live in peace without death. Juliet being a Capulet makes their love forbidden.

However, the family feud between Montagues and Capulets and Romeo’s own actions are also to blame for his misfortune. The quarrel that exists between the households is in the end what causes his exile and suicide. The “ancient grudge” which cause the murder of Tybalt and “for that offense, immediately we do exile him hence”. His exile through his spontaneous rage shows us that he is...