How is the theme of "fate" presented throughout the play

In Romeo and Juliet, fate is a key theme which diverts and controls the course of the lover's relationship and creates violence. At first we see fate presented as inescapable and unavoidable, we then see how it works through tragedy and coincidence. Finally we see fate presented as triumphant and succeeding in taking the lover's lives. In the prologue, we see fate presented as inescapable and unavoidable through the use of the phrase "a pair of star-crossed lovers" here we see that fate controls Romeo and Juliet's relationship and how it is doomed as soon as they fall in love. The phrase "star-crossed lovers" refers to the Elizabethan astrology that the stars and planets control people's lives, which illustrates some power is controlling their lives and cursing it as soon as it begins. The prologue is also in sonnet form which mirrors how fate structures the plays events and tragedies. The phrase in the sonnet "death mark'd love" also reinforces the idea of their love being destined to end death. Once could also suggest that "mark'd" shows how fate has already labelled their relationship to end with tragedy. Shakespeare may have done this in the prologue to show to an audience that this play isn't about love, it's about tragedy and the inescapable powers of fate. Towards the middle of the play in Act 3, Scene 1, we see fate working through coincidence and tragedy as we hear Mercutio's dying words be "A plague o' both your houses!" Mercutio's dying curse here symbolises how the feud between the families has caused deadly consequences for innocent people, as he is not involved in the feud. "plague" evokes an image of widespread, uncontrollable suffering which shows how fate has spiralled out of control. This moment here also marks the peripeteia from romance to tragedy. Mercutio's words here also act as a prophecy, cursing both houses for a tragedy we later see. Romeo also say's "O I am fortune's fool!" Which shows how he has been used by fate. "fortune" is also personified as something cruel and mocking, which highlights how little control he has over his actions. Shakespeare does this to show how fate doesn't just work through stars, but timing, violence and emotion. At the end of the play, we see fate presented as triumphant and how it succeeds in taking the lives of Romeo and Juliet. Juliet says "O happy dagger!" After trying to fight fate she decides to give in and accept death knowing she can't change it. The oxymoron of "happy dagger" portrays how fate has completely reversed things and now death is a form of happiness as it allows her to be with Romeo. Shakespeare uses this line to show Juliets full surrender to fate. The dagger also becomes a symbol of destiny's final blow which is quick, unstoppable and tragic. This final act also fulfils the prophecy of the "star crossed lovers" from the prologue, showing fate will never be changed and will always win in the end. Romeo also say's "I defy you stars!" Here Romeo thinks he can rebel against fate, however this decision leads to his death. Shakespeare may have done this to show fate gives the illusion of choice, but ultimately controls the outcome of everything.

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