(New Heritage American Dictionary).

Fate is a force that knows neither age nor opposition. Some call it luck while others call it chance; either way, fate gets the last word. William Shakespeare recognized this timeless force in arguably his most timeless play. Throughout The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare demonstrates the strong role of fate, especially in Romeo and Juliet's meeting, troubled relationship, and tragic death.

Early in the first lines of the prologue, Shakespeare sets the scene for tragedy:

Two households, both alike in dignity,

In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,

From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,

Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.

From forth the fatal loins of these two foes

A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life;(Shakespeare, 1)

He openly admits to the audience the disastrous conclusion of the upcoming play. In doing so, Shakespeare blames the tragic outcome

Although undoubtedly tragic, new hope sprung from Romeo and Juliet's tragic deaths. Shakespeare makes a

All goes according to plan, until fate makes another appearance. The message to Romeo informing him of the plan goes undelivered, by "accident". Naturally, when Romeo hears of Juliet's "death", he is devastated, and runs to her grave to kill himself by her side. His timing could not have been any worse. Had Romeo waited merely a few minutes, he would have arrived as Juliet woke up. But, fate wouldn't allow such good fortune for these two "star-crossed lovers" (Shakespeare 1). Romeo arrives with Juliet still asleep, and proceeds to mortally stab himself. Waking up, Juliet sees Romeo dead then takes her own life (Shakespeare 68-82). Romeo and Juliet were simply not meant to be together.

The two young lovers agree to defy the feuds of their fathers, to defy tradition, and to continue on the path fate has set for them- the path that brought them together.

Incapable of living without her love, Juliet returns to Friar Laurence for advice. He devises an intelligent scheme to reunite Romeo and Juliet. The Friar plans for Juliet to take a potion that makes her appear lifeless for forty-two hours, during which time she will be placed in the family tomb. Romeo will be informed of the plan and come to whisk Juliet away when she wakes up from her self-induced coma.

Romeo Montague did not plan on meeting Juliet Capulet. In fact, he did not aspire to meet anyone at all. At this time in the play, the start of Act I, Romeo is grieving

point to explain the fact that the Capulet and Montague families overcame their differences immediately after Romeo and Juliet took their own lives. The fighting and killing finally came to an end. Romeo and Juliet were two crucial parts of fate's plan to end the bitter feud of the families.

Retain that dear perfection which he owes. (Shakespeare 48)

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1432
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)