R + J essay; question 3

The belief that “destiny is written in the stars” often infuses events and situations with a nihilistic apathy. People just aren’t interested to do anything because in the end what they do won’t matter! In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare begins the story by foreshadowing the fate of “star-crossed lovers” who will “take their li[ves].” Does this reference to the stars finalise the play, leaving no more need for exposition, or does it weave a story of mystery and intrigue as the role of stars suddenly comes into light? The former creates only static characters, who will reach the same conclusion in all circumstances. The latter allows the characters to have a chance to make decisions, to write their own fate – to become heroes in their own right! As such, the mystery of the stars adds to the intricacies of the plot, while at the same time, letting the reader comprehend the bigger picture that the characters will paint.

For the fate of the two lovers to be written in the start, may initially deem the play as useless. One may as well turn to the last page, read the end, and put the book down: you already know the whole story! However, the genius of Shakespeare is in his creativity. It is not important whether the reader knows the end or not: the art is the true jewel of the story. As such, the knowledge that fate, the stars, and destiny are all guiding the writer’s hand does not make the characters any less exciting, the writing any less beautiful, or the craft of the artist any less valuable. Additionally, the heroes, Romeo and Juliet, will be created as only Shakespeare can create them. The knowledge of their fate will not taint the emotions evoked in the reader, as we read of their beautiful love and tragic end. In fact, the heroes can be seen as they truly are, since we are already witness to the big picture.

Indeed, knowing the path that the plot will take, guides the reader to the end. When events unfold, there is no ambiguity. In fact, Romeo, the tragic hero, is better understood in context of his fate. Romeo’s foreshadowing of his own end in Act 1 Scene 3 adds suspense to the story. His meeting with Juliet confirms the outcome of our hero, and yet, the reader is all the more desperate to know how the stars will direct the two lovers. This allows the bold and passionate decisions made by both Romeo and Juliet to fit into the context of fate, and the heroic nature of the two to be further solidified.