Romeo and Juliet 4: Fate Q and A
Romeo and Juliet 4: Fate Q and A Questions and answers are composed by bunPeiris of Moratuwa
Here are three Edexcel IGCSE English Literature examination-type questions [essay-type questions ] based on Romeo and Juliet (Act 1, Scenes 3 and 4).
Question 1 is given a fully-fledged answer written in PEEL paragraph writing technique.
[ Point/Claim; Evidence in the form of quotation or paraphrases of Shakespearean language; Explanation of the evidence; Link the evidence and explanation to your point/claim].
For questions 2 are 3, you are required to write your own answer.
You must not give subheadings Point/Claim, Evidence, Explanation, and Link as I have done in the model answer for question 1. Don’t be silly, that’s only for illustrative purposes.
If you need to compare your answers with the model answers for questions 2 and 3, you may drop a line to Whatsapp 077710060 bunPeiris
Essay Question 1: How does Shakespeare introduce the theme of fate in Act 1, Scene 4 of Romeo and Juliet?
Answer:
Point/Claim:
In Act 1, Scene 4, Shakespeare introduces the theme of fate through Romeo’s sense of foreboding and his belief in destiny, setting up the tragic inevitability of the play’s events. This early indication of Romeo’s entrapment by fate foreshadows the inevitable doom that will follow, underscoring the theme of fate as a powerful, unyielding force.
Evidence:
Romeo expresses his fear of attending the Capulet feast, saying, “Some consequence, yet hanging in the stars, / Shall bitterly begin his fearful date / With this night’s revels and expire the term / Of a despised life closed in my breast” (1.4.113-116). This premonition encapsulates his belief that fate is already decided, and he is powerless to escape it.
Explanation:
Romeo’s reference to “the stars” conveys his sense of fatalism and his belief in astrology, a common belief during Shakespeare’s time as well as today. We, the Sinhalese are loaded with the phenomenon of fate having horoscopes in our drawers of almirahs. The locations, movements, and directions [ gods know what else] of stars were thought to determine the fate of the humans, and by referencing them, Romeo reveals his deep-seated fear that destiny controls his life. The phrase “bitterly begin his fearful date” suggests that Romeo anticipates that something could go wrong at the Capulet ball, implying that he is on the cusp of a major turning point in his life—one that will lead to his downfall. But he would not back down, that’s our man, that’s his character. His fear of an “untimely death” is a powerful moment of dramatic irony, as the audience is aware that Romeo and Juliet’s fate has already been foretold in the Prologue as “star-crossed lovers.” Locations of he movements and directions of the planet of our solar system at the time of birth of Romeo and Juliet would not permit them marriage life except for a single night. The reference to a “despised life” also suggests that Romeo, while initially caught up in youthful melancholy over Rosaline, already senses that his life is on a tragic trajectory, even before meeting Juliet. That is the drama, “The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.”
Still more, his inability to resist attending the ball, despite his premonition, reflects his inner struggle with fate. The tension between free will and fate is emphasized as Romeo seems to be willingly walking into the events that will seal his destiny. Despite his misgivings, he allows Mercutio and Benvolio to persuade him to go, which further highlights the idea that fate is inescapable.
Link:
Shakespeare uses Romeo’s foreboding to introduce fate as a dominant theme in Romeo and Juliet, illustrating how characters are often driven by forces beyond their control. Romeo’s feeling of being doomed from the very beginning highlights the inevitability of the tragic events that will unfold, showing how fate governs the lives of the characters in the play. This early introduction of fate creates an ominous atmosphere that lingers throughout the play, reminding the audience of the powerlessness of the characters against their destiny. And of course, our powerlessness against our destiny. We can only die fighting for our lives. Fighting and struggling for survival forever.
——————————————————————————————————————–Essay Question 2: Explore the role of women and how Shakespeare presents Lady Capulet and the Nurse in Act 1, Scene 3 of Romeo and Juliet.
Essay Question 3: How does Shakespeare use Mercutio to contrast with Romeo in Act 1, Scene 4 of Romeo and Juliet?
——————————————————————————————————————– Further learning
While you study Romeo and Juliet, make notes of situations of fate, premonition, forebode, and foreshadowing.
If you need model answers for questions 2 and 3 and/or notes on fate, forebode, premonition, and foreshadowing, you may drop a line at 0777100060 on Whatsapp. I am BunPeiris.
END
