Quotes

• 1. "A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life." 
  2. Prologue This line in the opening of the play introduces the idea that Romeo and Juliet are "star-crossed," meaning that their love and lives are controlled by fate from the start. 
• 1. "Some consequence yet hanging in the stars / Shall bitterly begin his fearful date." 
  2. Romeo, Act 1, Scene 4 Before attending the Capulet party, Romeo senses that fate is guiding him toward some tragic event. He feels that something "hanging in the stars" will lead to his downfall. 
• 1. "O, I am fortune’s fool!" 
  2. Romeo, Act 3, Scene 1 After killing Tybalt, Romeo realizes the role fate has played in his impulsive actions. He laments that he is merely a pawn in the hands of "fortune." 
• 1. "Unhappy fortune!" 
  2. Friar Laurence, Act 5, Scene 2 When Friar Laurence learns that the letter explaining Juliet's plan never reached Romeo, he blames fortune for the mishap, showing how fate disrupts their efforts. 
• 1. "Then I defy you, stars!" 
  2. Romeo, Act 5, Scene 1 Upon hearing of Juliet's death, Romeo challenges fate by vowing to take control of his destiny. However, his defiance leads him further into the tragic outcome that fate has in store for him.