Romeo and Juliet

• "One writ with me in sour misfortune's book" 


  Romeo describes he and Paris as victims of fate, and feels pity after he kills Paris as he can sympathise with Paris' unrequited love for Juliet as his feelings for Rosaline were also unrequited.
• "My only love sprung from my only hate, too early seen unknown and known too late!" (Juliet)

  
  

  described the Romeo as a Montague being a "loathed enemy"

  everything in the play happens too soon: Juliet is married too young, Romeo kills himself moments before Juliet wakes (quick pace of play)

  
  

  she has acknowledged she's fallen in love with him, and realises too late his true identity
• "Then I defy you, stars" 


  (learning of Juliet's death) Romeo: opposed to the destiny, however in "defying" fate and killing himself, he prompts Juliet's suicide: therefore ironically fulfilling the lover's tragic destiny.

  Romeo and Juliet struggle against the predetermined paths laid out for them: Romeo is powerless to change his fate

  Romeo's declaration represents his assertion of free will; trying to take control of his own destiny Also underscores the theme of the transcendent and transformative power of love; as Romeo is willing to defy the stars