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Romeo and Juliet, said to be one of the most
famous love stories of all times, is a play anchored on fate. Some actions are
believed to occur by chance or by destiny. The timing of each action influences
the outcome of the play. While some events are of less significance, some are
crucial to the development of this tragedy. The substantial events that inspire
the conclusion of Romeo and Juliet’s destiny are; the Capulet ball, the quarrel
experienced by Tybalt and Romeo, and Friar John’s plague.
A servant to Capulet, who is incapable of reading the list of guests, asks for
Romeo’s assistance. Romeo notices that Rosaline, his lover, is among these
names. To show his appreciation, the servant asks for Romeo’s presence at the
ball. Romeo should have considered the servant’s warning; if Romeo occupies the
name of Montague, he shall not be permitted. Once at the ball, Romeo is
searching for a maiden to substitute the unrequited love of Rosaline. Romeo
happens to gaze upon Juliet, who charms Romeo. Romeo proclaims, " Did my
heart love till now? Forswear it, sight!/ For ne’er saw true beauty till this
night." (I, v, l 52-53) Since Romeo declares his love for Juliet, she
feels the attraction also. They believe that they are in love and must marry.
It is fate that Romeo and Juliet were at the same place, at the same time, for
if it weren’t for the servant not being able to read they would not have met
and married.
Benvolio and Mercutio are disscusing the quarrelsome weather. Benvolio
declares, "The day is hot, the Capulets abroad,/ And if we meet we shall
not ‘scape a brawl,/ For now these got days is the mad blood stirring."
(III, i, l 2-4) At this point, Tybalt, who has challenged Romeo because of his
appearance at the masquerade, enters, seeking Romeo. On Romeo’s behalf,
Mercutio struggles with Tybalt, while Romeo, who is filled with love for his
new cousin, tries to end their boldness. Before escaping, Tybalt plunges his
sword into Mercutio, causing death to fall upon him. Romeo kills Tybalt, who
taunts Romeo, upon his return. Romeo fears he will be condemned to death if he
does not flee before the arrival of the Prince. Benvolio recalls the events
that have happened. The Prince declares: And for that offence/ Immediately we
do exile him hence./ I hav an in your hate’s proceeding,/ My blood for your
rude brawls doth lie a-bleeding;/ But I’ll amerce you with so strong a fine/
That you shall repent the loss of mine./ I will be deaf to pleading and
excuses;/ Nor tears nor prayers shall purchase out abuses;/ Therefore use none.
Let Romeo hence in haste,/ Else, when he’s found, that hour is his last./ Bear
hence this body and attend our will./ Mercy but murders, pardoning those that
kill. (III, I
, l 185-195) . Due to the disturbance of Verona’s street and the losses of Tybalt
and Mercutio, the Prince must penalize Romeo. However, the Prince agrees that
Romeo was acting in self-defense.
Juliet, who desires not to wed Paris, asks for Friar Laurence’s assistance. The
day before the wedding, Juliet is to drink the poison, which will make her
appear to be dead. In forty-two hours she shall awake, with Romeo by her side.
Romeo will then bring her to Mantua with him. In the meantime Friar Laurence
will convey a message to Romeo in Mantua, telling him the plot. When she gains
consciousness, Romeo and Friar Laurence will be there. Friar Laurence says,
"Shall Romeo by my letters know our drift,/ And hither shall he come; and
he and I/ Will watch thy waking" (IV, i, l 114-116) Following Juliet’s
intake of the poison, Romeo is anticipating news from Verona. Balthasar, a
servant to Romeo, tells Romeo that Juliet has passed on. Romeo, who is told
there are no letters from the friar, seeks a way to accomplish his suicide.
Meanwhile, Friar Laurence, confronts Friar John, who was to deliver the letter
to Romeo. Friar John informs Friar Laurence that he was seeking another
Franciscan, who was visiting the sick, to accompany him to Mantua. He says,
"Suspecting that we both were in a house/ Where the infectious pestilence
did reingn,/ Seal’d up the doors, and would not let us forth;/" (V, ii, l
9-11) Friar John tells that he could find no one to deliver the letter, for
fear they may catch the infection.
The substantial events that inspire the conclusion of Romeo and Juliet are; the
Capulet ball, the quarrel experienced by Tybalt and Romeo, and Friar John’s
plague. The Capulet ball influences the ending of the play by Romeo’s
invitation at the ball, which creates the meeting of Romeo and Juliet. The ball
also gives birth to Tybalt’s anger and causes his challenge. The challenge
causes the banishment of Romeo, which produces much grieving by Juliet and
Romeo. Also, the quarrelsome weather is partly to blame for the feuding between
Tybalt and Mercutio. Since Friar John did not deliver the letter, Romeo thinks
that Juliet is dead, sacrifices himself. Juliet seeing that Romeo is dead,
slays herself also.
In conclusion Romeo and Juliet is a classical tragedy where the tragic fate of
the characters is brought upon by circumstances beyond their control.