(Fate and Freewill) Flashcards
Was the Elizabethan era a superstitious time?
- The Elizabethan era was a very superstitious time, many believed in concepts such as destiny and many believed that their lives were written in the stars.
- Through referring to the lovers as “star-crossed” Shakespeare shows how even the planets have an opposition to this relationship. It could also show the audience that their love is different from others and how it has a spiritual connection.
What does Shakespeare use Act 1 Scene 4 for?
- Shakespeare uses Act 1 Scene 4 to expand on the idea of fate being a large factor in the events that take place within the play.
What does Romeo say between lines 106 and 113 (1,4)
- Between lines 106 and 113, Romeo uses a multitude of worrying abstract noun phrases such as “mind misgives” to build up anticipation to the dreadful events that take place later in the play.
- His talk of a consequence “hanging in the stars” echoes the ideas of two ‘star-crossed” lovers and reminds the audience of how the loves are in a way, doomed
In 1,4 what does Friar discuss?
- In this scene the Friar discusses the duality within flowers and other elements of nature, perhaps suggesting a coexistence between good and evil.
- By bringing in the natural Imagery of the “baleful weeds” and the “precious-juiced flowers”, Shakespeare creates almost a sense of certainty in this coexistence.
- This natural imagery further ties in with the themes of fate as the Friar discusses the natural and definite cycle of birth and death.
- He describes the “burying grave that is [a mother’s] womb”, which foreshadows the death that comes up later in the play
What happens when Juliet thinks Romeo is dead in 1,4?
- When Juliet thinks that Romeo is dead, instead of regarding the possible things on Earth that could have killed him she asks if “heaven [could be so envious”.
- This shows that she could only think of the spiritual world as having the ability to intervene in their relationship.
- Once more Shakespeare is reminding the audience of fate, and how much of a role the spiritual world plays in this play
What does Romeo’s belief that he can “defy the stars” show?
(include Greek Mythology)
- Romeo’s belief that he can “defy the stars” shows his self-assured hubris (excessive pride) and belief that he is bigger than fate, destiny and the stars. This allows his character to be defiant and arrogant
(In Greek Mythology hubris is allowed by nemesis, fate and destruction. This echoes what we see in this play as Romeo’s belief that he can change his fate causes the ultimate destruction, his death.There is also allusion to the Hebrew idea in the Bible that ‘pride goes before destruction) - Romeo’s death is further foreshadowed when Juliet compares Romeo’s love to “lightning”. Lightning has connotations of destruction and intensity which almost foreshadows the destruction that the love between Romeo and Juliet creates. Alternatively, it suggests the power and overwhelming and quick nature of their love.
How is ideas of fate and destiny perceived?
- Ideas of fate and destiny can be perceived as contradictory to the religious beliefs of the time. While many people were superstitious and believed in fate, many people were religious and believed that God gave humans free will to do as they please.
- Shakespeare uses this tension between the two beliefs to introduce a philosophical argument on freewill vs. predestination: does anyone really have a choice in their life or is everything predetermined? Arguments for each side are explored through the play
What happens in 2,6?
(include the Elizabethan audience)
- In Act 2 scene 6 the Friar says “these violent delights have violent ends” which foreshadows the tragic ending of the lovers’ story It could be argued that this warning by the Friar foreshadows the end of the play and proves that fate is very much at work.
- However Romeo and Juliet were giving multiple warnings like this one but still decided to follow their desires.
- It could therefore be argued as not being fate but as a result of teenagers following their own desires.
(Perhaps the power of Romeo and Juliet’s love is so powerful that forces like free will cannot even affect it. The Elizabethan audience was incredibly superstitious and would have been receptive to this belief, the concept of fate would have increased the tension and intrigue of the tragedy)
What is sonnet form?
- The sonnet form is used throughout the play Sonnets are poetry of love and Shakespeare’s use of the form adds to the romance of the two lovers growing romance
- The form could also be used by Shakespeare because & has a very regular rhyme scheme and rhythm.
- The regularity of the form adds to the theme of fate as able to anticipate the inevitable rhythmic sming
Why does Shakespeare use the sonnet form in the prologue?
- (and what two effects could it have on the audience?)
By using this sonnet form in the prologue, which already introduces the element of foreshadowing, Shakespeare could be reinforcing the idea that everything in the world is planned and predestined and that nothing we do is ever spontaneous because it is already written in the stars somewhere. This revelation can have one of two effects on the audience:
- The revelation could be comforting to the reader, filling them with a sense of hope that if things are meant to happen they will.
– For example, in the love story of Romeo and Juliet despite so many things being in the way of their love (Romeo was infatuated with Rosaline, they come from feuding families, Juliet was about to be betrothed to Paris etc). they still wanted to be together. Here, love conquers all.
- The revelation could be unsettling to the audience as predestination would also mean that no one really has control of what they do and so free will as a concept doesn’t really exist. The very concept of fate and destiny means that you could not change the course you are already on.
– Romeo exclaims “I defy you stars”, this phrase in itself is paradoxical as the stars by definition are inevitable. However, it reveals a lot about Romeo’s character, as even though it is impossible to defy the stars Romeo is persistent
