fate and destiny

• "A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life."
• "This day's black fate on more days doth depend; / This but begins the woe others must end."
• "I defy you stars" - "I'm fortune's fool" - Romeo
• "these violent delights have violent ends" - Friar
• What is the main theme presented by Shakespeare in Romeo and Juliet?

  Fate as a powerful, unstoppable force
• How does Shakespeare depict the lovers' fate in Romeo and Juliet?

  They are doomed from the start
• What does Shakespeare suggest about fate compared to free will?

  Fate is more powerful than free will
• How is fate introduced in Romeo and Juliet?

  • Introduced in the prologue
  • Continues throughout the play
  • Characters' choices lead to a predetermined tragic ending
• What does the quote “A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life” imply?

  Astrology/fate controls their destiny
• What is the effect of dramatic irony in the prologue?

  The audience knows their death is inevitable
• How does Shakespeare frame the play in relation to fate?

  As a tragedy driven by fate, not choices
• What does Romeo declare in Act 5 Scene 1?

  “Then I defy you, stars!”
• What is the irony in Romeo's actions against fate?

  His defiance leads him to fate
• What does the audience learn about human power against fate?

  Humans are powerless against fate
• What does Romeo sense before going to the Capulet party?

  Danger
• How does Shakespeare use the party in relation to fate?

  It leads to Romeo meeting Juliet
• What is the central driving force of the tragedy in Romeo and Juliet?

  • Fate is the central driving force
  • Destiny is stronger than love, loyalty, or logic
  • The play warns that some outcomes are beyond human control
• What is one of the top quotes to memorize from the play?

  “A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life.”
• Who says “O, I am fortune’s fool!”?

  Romeo
• What does Friar Lawrence exclaim in Act 5 Scene 2?

  “Unhappy fortune!”