Romeo and Juliet are ' Star-Crossed Lovers

Romeo and Juliet are victims of fate, which is a dominant force from the beginning of the play. In the opening prologue we are told that Romeo and Juliet are "star-cross'd" and "death-mark'd". The audience learns that the young lovers are doomed to destruction and tragedy. "From forth the fatal loins of these two foes A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life." (Prologue line 5-6) Many characters believe they are controlled by the stars. …

…series of tragic mishaps prevents the lovers from experiencing happiness. The death of Tybalt, the exile of Romeo, and the unread letter propel the tragic plot forward. Fate, from the beginning, had resolved that the story of Romeo and Juliet would culminate in heartbreak. In my opinion the quote that accurately summarizes this play is, "For never was there a story of more woe, than this of Juliet and her Romeo" (Act 5 Scene 3 Line.309-310).