fate Flashcards
learn it (might be on) (26 cards)
What are Romeo and Juliet described as in the prologue?
Star-cross’d lovers
This indicates that their fate is predetermined and doomed from the start.
What belief system influenced most Elizabethans regarding fate?
Fate and astrology
Many consulted or blamed the stars for their luck and misfortune.
What do many people believe about their fortunes?
Predestined by the gods
This belief led them to submit their free will to celestial influences.
How does the Prologue set the tone for the play?
By informing the audience of the lovers’ doomed fate
This allows the audience to witness the unfolding of tragic events.
What does Romeo represent in the play?
The most fateful character
His acceptance of fate leads to significant events in the story.
What does Romeo ask fate to do?
Direct my sails
This indicates his initial acceptance of fate.
What premonition does Romeo have before the Capulet ball?
He sees his untimely death
This foreshadows his tragic fate.
What phrase does Romeo use to describe himself after being exiled?
Fortune’s fool
This reflects his realization of being a victim of fate.
What is the twist of fate that affects Romeo’s knowledge of Juliet?
He receives the wrong message
This leads him to believe that Juliet is dead.
What defiant act does Romeo take upon learning the news?
He returns to Verona and declares, ‘I defy you, Stars!’
This signifies his rejection of fate.
How does Juliet perceive fate?
Fickle and unpredictable
She senses impending doom in her relationship.
What premonition does Juliet have about Romeo?
She sees him as dead at the bottom of a tomb
This highlights her awareness of their tragic fate.
What is the outcome of the play?
The deaths of Romeo and Juliet
This confirms the predictions made in the Prologue.
What does Shakespeare challenge regarding the audience’s beliefs?
Ideas about autonomy over our lives
He prompts audiences to question the role of coincidence and destiny.
What connection does Shakespeare make between fate and the environment?
He shows how conflicts and pressures impact choices
This emphasizes the influence of external factors on fate.
What societal belief does Shakespeare challenge in the play?
The belief that stars and planets impact fortunes
This was a common belief among Elizabethans.
What is the main theme of Romeo and Juliet’s relationship?
Thwarted by pressures linked to cultural values and traditions
This theme is described as an ‘outside force’ affecting their love.
How does Shakespeare portray fate in Romeo and Juliet?
As fateful forces that the characters give in to until it is too late
This challenges contemporary belief systems about fate.
What does the phrase ‘death-mark’d love’ suggest?
The fate of the ‘star-cross’d lovers’ is predetermined by the stars
This is mentioned in the Prologue by the chorus.
What literary device does Shakespeare use by telling audiences the protagonist’s fate?
Dramatic irony
This technique allows the audience to know more than the characters.
What adjectives does Shakespeare use to connect destiny and fear?
‘Fearful’ and ‘death-mark’d’
These adjectives enhance the theme of fate in the play.
What does Romeo mean when he says, ‘He who hath steerage of course, Direct my sail’?
He is asking fate to guide his future
This reflects Romeo’s initial acceptance of fate.
What does Romeo mean by ‘O I am Fortune’s Fool!’?
He acknowledges he has become a victim of fate and fortune
This line comes after significant losses in Act III.
What does Romeo declare in Act V, ‘Then I defy you, Stars!’?
He turns against fate after learning of Juliet’s death
This shows his desperation and desire for autonomy.
