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William Shakespeare's timeless tragedy, "Romeo and Juliet," delves deep into the interplay between fate and human choices, ultimately leading the titular characters to their inevitable end. While the concept of fate is central to the story, it takes on different forms in Shakespeare's original play and Baz Luhrmann's film adaptation. In this essay, we will explore the nuanced portrayal of fate in both versions and how it shapes the lives of the ill-fated lovers, Romeo and Juliet.
Shakespeare's original presentation of fate is that of an inescapable and preordained event.
From the very beginning, fate commands the lives of the characters, with their deaths predetermined by generations of feuding and violence between the Montague and Capulet families. The prologue of the play foreshadows the tragic ending, stating that "a pair of star-crossed lovers take their life." This prologue is written in the form of a sonnet, traditionally used to celebrate love, yet it now serves to describe impending death.
The use of the singular "life" in the prologue emphasizes the profound intertwining of Romeo and Juliet's destinies.
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“ She followed all my directions. It was really easy to contact her and respond very fast as well. ”
They are destined to die together, and the mention of "star-crossed lovers" associates fate with celestial forces. Shakespeare's prologue firmly establishes the inevitability of their tragic end, suggesting that their lives have already been decided by external forces.
Baz Luhrmann's interpretation of "Romeo and Juliet" presents fate as a more cruel and controlling force. In his adaptation, the prologue is initially delivered by a newsreader on a small, fuzzy TV screen, highlighting the idea that the central characters, Romeo and Juliet, had no control over their own fates.
The choice to depict their parents as the prologue is read out serves to assign blame to the feuding families, reinforcing the notion that Romeo and Juliet's destinies were dictated by forces beyond their influence.
However, despite the apparent cruelty of fate in Luhrmann's version, its ultimate purpose remains the same as in Shakespeare's play: reconciliation between the warring families. The prologue hints at this intention, stating, "Which but their children's end naught could remove." Thus, fate's role, though harsh, is to unite the feuding houses through the tragic sacrifice of their offspring.
In both the original play and Luhrmann's adaptation, fate is portrayed as an inevitable consequence of past actions. The initial confrontation between the Montagues and Capulets in the first scene of the play raises the hope that fate may be averted, with the Prince's warning that their "lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace." However, the prologue informs the audience that fate will persist, foreshadowing more dire consequences in the future. Luhrmann reimagines this scene with the Prince as a chief of police, emphasizing his modern-day authority to enforce the threat. Despite temporary separation, the families are destined to be reunited through tragedy.
Shakespeare's inclusion of inclusive pronouns like "our masters and us their men" highlights a sense of unity and pride within the families. This unity contributes to their willingness to engage in violence, ultimately leading to tragic consequences. The foolishness displayed by the characters forces their fate upon Romeo and Juliet. In Luhrmann's adaptation, the scene is altered to involve two Montagues, suggesting that not everyone is eager for conflict and presenting fate as more contingent on individual choices.
Romeo and Juliet's individual choices and behaviors also play a significant role in allowing fate to succeed. Romeo, for instance, is introduced as deeply infatuated with Rosaline, using oxymoronic language like "oh brawling love, oh loving hate" to describe his emotional state. This recklessness suggests that Romeo is already destined to fall victim to fate, and his impulsive nature will prevent him from altering the course of events. In Luhrmann's adaptation, Romeo's inner thoughts are revealed through diary entries and non-diegetic voiceovers, heightening the sense of secrecy and isolation that will ultimately contribute to his tragic fate.
Juliet, too, displays a reluctance to marry before meeting Romeo. She tells Lady Capulet, "it is an honour I dream not of," using inverted syntax to convey her lack of readiness for marriage. Her initial unwillingness to wed foreshadows the challenges their marriage will face. Luhrmann's portrayal of Lady Capulet as eccentric and indifferent to her daughter's feelings further isolates Juliet, making her more susceptible to the control of fate.
Throughout the play, there are numerous warnings of the impending role of fate, all of which go unheeded by the characters. Romeo, before attending the Capulet party, senses fate's presence and feels bound to it, acknowledging that there is "some consequence yet hanging in the stars." However, he chooses to ignore these signs and proceeds with his actions. In Luhrmann's adaptation, this moment is heightened by focusing on the stars, symbolizing their command over destiny.
Fate is personified as a cruel force that taunts the characters. Juliet, at one point, recognizes the rapid pace of events but feels powerless to control her emotions. She describes her engagement to Romeo as "too rash, too unadvised, too sudden." These warning signs are ignored by the characters, leading to their eventual downfall. Fate, in this context, becomes a form of punishment, with fatal consequences that are inevitable due to the characters' choices and actions.
Notably, all the main characters in "Romeo and Juliet" are aware of the role that fate plays in their lives. They often use fate as an excuse when they make mistakes. For instance, when Romeo takes revenge on Tybalt for the murder of Mercutio, he acknowledges his role in the act, saying, "Either thou or I, or both must go with him." The imperative language and the list of three convey the sense that there is no other choice but violence. Luhrmann's adaptation intensifies this scene, portraying Romeo as almost possessed and highlighting the impending danger.
Luhrmann's presentation of fate as an unstoppable force is evident throughout the film. When Romeo receives the misleading news that Juliet has died, he stumbles backward as if struck by fate itself. The use of stormy weather in this scene serves as a warning, echoing the themes of the prologue. Establishing shots of a desolate desert further emphasize Romeo's isolation, vulnerability, and his inevitable journey towards his tragic fate. As he stands alone in the tomb, Romeo perceives Juliet as still appearing alive. His exclamation, "Thou art not conquered, beauty's ensign yet," showcases his intelligence and hints at the possibility of overcoming fate. In this moment, fate is personified as a powerful and violent force, a conscious entity that Romeo addresses. He gazes up at the sky, where the stars are closely linked to fate throughout the story, reinforcing the presence of fate in this pivotal scene. Luhrmann accentuates the cruelty of fate by having Romeo look up to the heavens when he takes the poison, rather than at Juliet as she awakens, symbolizing fate's relentless hold on their destinies.
In conclusion, the role of fate in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" is a complex and multifaceted one, portrayed differently in the original play and Baz Luhrmann's adaptation. In Shakespeare's version, fate is presented as an inescapable destiny, with the characters' lives predetermined by generations of feuding and violence. Luhrmann, on the other hand, depicts fate as a cruel and controlling force, highlighting the lack of agency that Romeo and Juliet have over their own lives. However, in both interpretations, fate ultimately serves the purpose of reconciling the feuding families, albeit through tragic means.
The characters in the play are acutely aware of fate's presence, often using it as an excuse for their actions and choices. The warnings of impending fate are numerous but are consistently ignored, leading to the characters' tragic downfall. Whether seen as a conscious force or an unstoppable entity, fate in "Romeo and Juliet" is a powerful and inhuman presence that shapes the course of events.
The Role of Fate in Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. (2016, Apr 26). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/theme-of-fate-in-romeo-juliet-gcse-coursework-essay
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