Death as an Inevitable Force in Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare introduces death as an inescapable fate for the star-crossed lovers from the very beginning of the play. The prologue immediately establishes death as a prominent theme, foreshadowing the tragic end and creating tension throughout the narrative.
Quote: "do with their death bury with their parents' strife" (Prologue)
This line not only introduces the theme of death but also suggests its role in resolving the longstanding feud between the Montagues and Capulets. The inevitability of death is further emphasized in the description of Romeo and Juliet's love as "death mark'd," indicating that their relationship is doomed from the start.
Highlight: The Elizabethan belief in predetermined fate adds depth to the theme of death in Romeo and Juliet. Audiences of the time would have viewed the tragic deaths as inescapable, reinforcing the idea that fate is stronger than love.
Juliet's character also exemplifies the inevitability of death in the face of limited options. Her statement, "If all else fails, myself have power to die" (Act 3, Scene 5), reflects the lack of agency she has in a patriarchal society, where death becomes her only means of escape.
Context: In Elizabethan times, young women like Juliet had little control over their lives, particularly in matters of marriage. This societal context amplifies the tragic nature of her fate and the inevitability of death in Romeo and Juliet.
The play's setting in Verona further reinforces death as a constant threat. The ongoing feud between the families creates a relentless cycle of violence, as exemplified by Tybalt's threatening words to Benvolio: "Turn thee Benvolio, look upon thy death" (Act 1, Scene 1).
Example: The paradoxical statement "Civil blood makes civil hands unclean" (Prologue) highlights how pervasive the feud is, corrupting even the innocent and perpetuating the cycle of death.
