fate and freewill

• Fate is the concept that forces outside of human control predetermine what happens in our lives, while freewill claims that all actions we take are a result of our own choices
• The prologue in "Romeo and Juliet" identifies a theme of fate by telling the audience what will happen before it occurs, creating tension and indicating that fate is in control
• In Act 1 Scene 4, Romeo's abstract noun phrases build anticipation for the tragic events, echoing the idea of 'star-crossed' lovers and the sense of doom
• The Friar discusses the duality within nature, suggesting a coexistence between good and evil, with natural imagery tying into the themes of fate and the cycle of birth and death
• Juliet's reference to heaven when she thinks Romeo is dead highlights the role of the spiritual world in the play, emphasizing fate and the characters' inability to escape their destiny
• Romeo's belief that he can "defy the stars" shows his excessive pride and defiance against fate, while Juliet's comparison of their love to "lightning" foreshadows the intensity and potential destruction of their relationship
• The tension between fate and freewill is explored in "Romeo and Juliet," where destiny plays a significant role in the lovers' story, but their conscious decisions also contribute to their tragic ending
• Shakespeare's use of the sonnet form throughout the play adds to the romance and rhythm, reinforcing the theme of fate and predestination, which can evoke both comfort and unsettlement in the audience