Theme- Fate and Freewill Flashcards
What is fate?
The concept where there are forces outside of human control that predetermine what happens in our lives.
What is free will?
The exact antithesis of fate, it claims that there are no outside forces and all the actions we take are just a result of us exercising our own choices.
What would free will allow you to do?
To change what happens to us in the future based on the choices we decide to make in the present.
Where do we first see the theme of fate?
In the prologue.
How does the prologue introduce the theme of fate?
It tells the audience what is going to happen before it happens.
What does the prologue do by telling you what is going to happen?
It is a dramatic tool used to create tension. It is evident that the characters are unable to escape their impending doom. Thus, is evident that fate is in control.
How else does the prologue increase emotions in the audience?
It is performed by a chorus ( a group of people). This would have added to the gravitas of the message and contributed to the overwhelming idea that the protagonists’ lives are not in their own hands.
How are tension and anticipation resolved?
The prophecy is finally fulfilled. When R+J die. Here the emotions of the audience climax which result in catharsis (relieving of emotion).
How does context increase the power behind the references to fate throughout the play?
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.
(EXTRA INFO)
Throughout referring to the lovers as “star-crossed” Shakespeare shows how even the planets have opposition to this relationship. It could also show the audience that their love is different from others and how it has a spiritual connection.
The reference to “star-crossed” lovers shows what?
Shakespeare shows how even the planets have 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 are “star-crossed” lovers?
Those whose relationship is doomed to fail due to outside forces. Those who believe in astrology believe that stars control peoples’ destinies. Thus, the fate of a relationship is written in the stars.
What language feature does Romeo use in Act 1 Scene 4 to expand on the idea of fate?
Between lines 106 and 113, Romeo uses a multitude of worrying abstract noun phrases such as “mind misgivings” to build up anticipation of 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 lovers are in a way, doomed.
What does Friar Laurence’s discussion of the duality within flowers suggest?
A coexistence between good and evil. Using natural imagery in “baleful weeds” and the “precious-juiced flowers” creates a sense of certainty of this coexistence.
What quote would link to the Friar discussing the natural and definite cycle of birth and death with links to the theme of fate?
“burying grave that is her (a mother’s) womb” which foreshadows the death that comes up later in the play.
“heaven be so envious”. What does this quote from Juliet suggest about their relationship?
That only the spiritual world could intervene in their relationship.
