Deaths Of Romeo And Juliet example essay topic

Describe an important idea dealt with in the text. Why is this idea important? FATE An important idea dealt with in Baz Luhrmann's production of 'Romeo and Juliet' is that of fate. Fate is what is destined to happen and no one can change these predetermined events. Fate is a very important idea dealt with in 'Romeo and Juliet' because the film begins with the viewers being told of events that are to happen and this recurs often throughout the film. The tragedy of 'Romeo and Juliet' is that the viewers watch fate unfold, yet the viewers and the characters are powerless to change these predetermined events.

Fate is introduced in the very beginning of the film. Viewers are told in the very beginning of the film what is going to happen at the very end, "From forth the fatal loins of these two foes, a pair of star-crossed lovers take their life". Even though the ending is known, we do not know how all the events lead to it. Throughout the film, it seems that fate can be changed, and turn a different way, away from the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. An example of this is when Romeo tries to make peace with Tybalt, "And so, good Capulet - which name I tender as dearly as mine own - be satisfied".

Romeo shows his good will by extending his hand. Tybalt could go either way and shake Romeo's hand, and make peace. However, as Romeo and Juliet are 'star-crossed lovers', fate intervenes and Tybalt denies Romeo's request. This type of choice is also evident before Romeo meets Juliet.

As we already know what is going to happen in the film, the events are predetermined and cannot be changed, although they appear that they can be at times. Fate seems to be working against Romeo and Juliet. Romeo appears to know that something bad will begin the night that he goes to the party at the Capulet mansion. "I fear too early. For my mind misgives some consequence, yet hanging in the stars, shall bitterly begin his fearful date... by some vile forfeit of untimely death". However, Romeo believes that he has no control over the events, "But he that hath the steerage of my course, direct my sail!" This idea also recurs in the film when the priest helps Juliet to appear dead.

The priest intends to send a letter to Romeo to inform him that Juliet is not really dead. However, the letter fails to reach Romeo and his friend, who has seen Juliet 'dead', informs Romeo that she is 'dead'. This shows, that it is fate that Romeo was not meant to receive the letter. It seems that only because of Romeo and Juliet's suicide that the Montague and Capulet family feud comes to an end.

It is only because Romeo is not properly informed of Juliet's plan that he goes to see Juliet in the cathedral, and takes poison by her side, just as she wakes up. It seems that some higher power always intended that Romeo and Juliet should die, so that the family feud would end. "See what a scourge is laid upon your hate, that heaven finds means to kill your joys with love!" Fate is perhaps one of the most important ideas dealt with in Baz Lurhmann's production of "Romeo and Juliet" as it recurs often throughout the film. This idea is important as it ads tension to the film for the viewers, as you know what will happen but not how it will happen. It was fate that the family feud could only end with the deaths of a member of each family, who were so in love, they felt they could not live without one another.