fate

• What theme frames the story of Romeo and Juliet?

  Ill-fated love
• What does the term "star-crossed" mean?

  Not favored by the stars
• How did the Renaissance society view astrology?

  It occupied a place of privilege
• How does the notion of fate affect Romeo and Juliet's story?

  Their fates are cosmically misaligned
• What does the Chorus refer to Romeo and Juliet's love as later in the Prologue?

  Death-marked
• What does the word "marked" suggest about Romeo and Juliet's fate?

  It has been pre-written
• Why does Shakespeare mention the ending at the beginning of the play?

  To incorporate predetermined fate into the structure
• What does the theme of fate introduce to the audience?

  A sense of dramatic irony
• How does the audience's knowledge of fate affect their experience?

  It heightens the sense of tension
• What does Romeo's cry, "I defy you, stars!" signify?

  His resistance to fate
• How does acknowledging fate affect Romeo's agony?

  It makes his pain more intense
• Does mentioning fate at the beginning spoil the ending?

  No, it creates anticipation of tragedy
• What is the overall effect of fate on the play's conclusion?

  It amplifies the sense of tragedy
• From forth the fatal loins of these two foesA pair of star-crossed lovers take their life (Prologue)
• I fear too early, for my mind misgives;Some consequence, yet hanging in the stars,Shall bitterly begin (1.4)
• What do the opening lines of Romeo and Juliet indicate?

  Romeo and Juliet will die
• What does "star-crossed" mean in the context of the play?

  Opposed by the stars
• How did people in Shakespeare's time view the influence of stars on life?

  They believed stars determined life's course
• What is the significance of the pun "take their life" in the prologue?

  It refers to both birth and suicide
• What does "fatal loins" imply about the lovers' origins?

  Their parents are enemies
• How does the phrase describing births and deaths contribute to the theme of fate?

  It suggests their deaths were fated from birth
• What themes are introduced in the prologue of Romeo and Juliet?

  • Fate and destiny
  • The impact of family conflict
  • The tragic nature of love
• What does Romeo fear before going to the masque?

  He fears bitter consequences.
• What does Romeo mean by "hanging in the stars"?

  It suggests his fate is predetermined.
• How does the word "stars" relate to Romeo's character?

  It emphasizes he is "star-crossed."
• What theme does Romeo's fear of arriving "too early" highlight?

  It highlights the theme of timing in the play.
• Who finds Romeo too early in the play?

  Tybalt finds Romeo too early.
• Why is Juliet's marriage to Paris decided too early?

  Because Romeo is in exile and cannot return.
• What happens to the lovers in the play?

  The lovers die too young.
• What are the key events that happen "too early" in the play?

  • Tybalt finds Romeo before marriage news.
  • Juliet's marriage to Paris is decided prematurely.
  • The lovers die at a young age.