Verona Voice July 2014 | Page 4

Fate Fastens Infatuation

Fate pulls "Star Crossed Lovers", Romeo and Juliet, apart, strenghtening their relationship.

A special tribute.

The relationship between Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet took a turn for the worst, yesterday in Verona, allegedly due to the uncontrollable powers of fate. However, the challenge failed to diminish the couple's love but instead strengthened it. As a result, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet became known as “star-crossed lovers” suggesting that stars controlled them, their fate and their destiny.

A source explained that Romeo and Juliet died by each other’s sides,within seconds of each other. It is believed that Juliet woke from her sleep soon after Romeo consumed a poison. The few seconds that separated their actions would have made the difference between life and death. Fate was tragic for the pair in this situation.

When Romeo first became aware of Juliet’s “death” he spoke, “I defy you, stars.” (V.i.24) He referenced to the stars since the stars seemed to control his fate. Fate caused havoc for the pair after bringing them close together. A man sayid that "when Romeo had just been told that the love of his life had died, he was devastated. This news had an affect on Romeo's emotions but not on his relationship with Juliet."

Romeo had been banished to Mantua, separating Romeo and Juliet but not their love for eachother. The two had risked their lives and jeopardized loyalty to their families by pursuing their relationship, until their pursuits were ripped away by the uncontrollable powers of fate. The couple was unsure if they would ever meet again. According to a witness, the couple vowed their love and said heartfelt goodbyes as they recognized the morning sounds of larks. Juliet pleaded: “ Hie hence, be gone, away! It is the lark that sings so out of tune, Straining harsh discords and unpleasing sharps. Some say the lark makes sweet division; This doth not so, for she divideth us” (III.v.26-30).

Fate had brought the pair together in the beginning. Romeo and Juliet first met and first made eye contact at a feast, hosted by the Capulets. Having enemy families, Romeo and Juliet were never expected to meet and especially fall in love. Numerous events seemed to piece together Romeo and Juliet’s relationship. The undeniable powers of fate began when Romeo decided to attend the Capulet’s feast. Fate was involved as the Capulets and the Montagues immediately caused the couple difficulties since their love would be disapproved. A source says that they were “Two households, both alike in dignity…From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,” (I.Prologue) suggesting that they had avoided association with each other since a previous incident.

Romeo was asked to read a letter, for an illiterate servant, which listed the names of the feast attendees. Romeo read the names: “…Mercutio and his brother Valentine; Mine uncle Capulet, his wife and daughters; My fair niece Rosaline…” (I.ii.69-71). Among this list of names, one in particular attracted Romeo’s attention—Rosaline, who was his love at the time. Little did he know that he would meet Juliet at the Capulet’s feast who would change his life.

Fate can be dangerous and wonderful, as it was in Romeo and Juliet’s lives. The events that occurred in their lives were uncontrollable. However, something that was controllable was their love for each other. Romeo and Juliet's relationship was strongly influenced by fate from the moment they first met. They will always be remembered for continuing to pursue their love despite obstacles. The difficulties that fate caused fastened their infatuation by strenghtening their love and desire to be with one another.

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