What role has FATE played in William Shakespeare's tragedy, Romeo and Juliet?
Fate is one extremely important factor in the famous play, Romeo and Juliet. Fate is described as the will, principle, or determining cause by which things in general are believed to come to be as they are. In the very beginning of the play, the chorus lays out the fate of the two main characters. The Chorus summarizes Romeo and Juliet's inevitable fate in one sentence, "A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life." This means that no matter what they do, it is the to lover's fate to fall in love and die.
Fate is also arguably the reason that Romeo and Juliet met in the first place. Romeo, who is love sick over a girl Rosaline, downheartedly agrees to attend a party hosted by the Capulet house. Romeo's only will for going to this party is to see the girl which he thinks he is in love with, Rosaline. While searching for Rosaline at the party, he sees the daughter of Capulet, Juliet. Romeo falls head over heels in love at first sight. He musters up the courage to go over and talk to this new girl. Juliet also falls in love with this Romeo, even though she had only known him for several minutes. Fate is the reason that they met because Romeo was not even planning on attending to party at first, and he only goes to see Rosaline. Not only does Romeo fall in love with a different girl, but he eventually gets married to her.
Unfortunately for the pair of "star-crossed" lovers, fate was not on their side. Their relationship was doomed from the start. Romeo and Juliet could never had been together in peace due to their families ancient rivalry. Their opposite families could not be in each other's company without brawling. the two children test fate's limits by secretly getting married. Everything seems to be in good shape for the newly married couple, but then fate throws a curve ball and tragedy strikes.
Tybalt, who was defending his family's honor, killed Romeo's best friend Mercutio in a duel. Romeo is put into such a rage that he kills Tybalt. By killing Tybalt, Romeo had ended any hope of he and Juliet being together happily. Romeo is exiled out of Verona, but the good Friar Laurence comes up with a plan that will bring the couple together once again. Unfortunately for the leading characters, what they don't realize is that this plan seals their fate once and for all.
The Friar sent a messenger in order to inform Romeo of his plan. Fate stops this plan by confining the messenger in a town, forcing him to not give Romeo word. When Romeo returns to Verona, he is a man possessed, thinking that Juliet is dead, while meanwhile Juliet is actually only in a deep sleep. Romeo kills County Paris and Poison's himself in Juliet's tomb. When Juliet wakes up she kills herself because she can no longer be with Romeo. Fate had taken its ultimate toll on the characters' lives.
Romeo and Juliet's fate is determined for them because of their families feud. Due to the rivalry, they couldn't be together peacefully and attempt to take matters into their own hands, resulting in their eventual deaths. If the families would have put away their differences, their children would not have ended up dead.
To conclude, almost all of the entire play revolves around fate and its effects.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Thursday, April 3, 2008
A Summary of 15th century Verona, Italy....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verona
^^this is the main website I used to aid me in my research.
During the 14th and 15th century, Italy was experiencing a dramatic change, called a cultural Renaissance. During this period, drastic changes occurred in many forms including art, construction, and theatre. People all over Italy were going were doing things that had never been done before: painting, sculpting, and acting out plays. This Renaissance was the fuel to many famous inventions from world-renown scholars, including Leonardo Da Vinci. The bright future began to form as people across Italy became smarter.
People made a living doing whatever they could in Verona and all other cities in Italy. At this time there weren't as many job opportunities as there are today. Due to the Renaissance, jobs did open in the fields of literature and culture, such as becoming an architect or an actor. Verona was ruled for a majority of the the 15th century by Emperor Maxmillian I, however the class system was very transient and rulers came and went pretty quickly. Some of the most popular religions of the time were Roman Catholic and Orthodox.
In conclusion, Verona, Italy was experiencing a fast-paced revolution. Scholars and artists began to make a living by selling their artwork and inventions. Verona, the setting for Romeo and Juliet, was one of the most prospering cities in all of Italy. Verona was definitely an exciting place to live in during the Renassiance of the 14th and 15th centuries.
^^this is the main website I used to aid me in my research.
During the 14th and 15th century, Italy was experiencing a dramatic change, called a cultural Renaissance. During this period, drastic changes occurred in many forms including art, construction, and theatre. People all over Italy were going were doing things that had never been done before: painting, sculpting, and acting out plays. This Renaissance was the fuel to many famous inventions from world-renown scholars, including Leonardo Da Vinci. The bright future began to form as people across Italy became smarter.
People made a living doing whatever they could in Verona and all other cities in Italy. At this time there weren't as many job opportunities as there are today. Due to the Renaissance, jobs did open in the fields of literature and culture, such as becoming an architect or an actor. Verona was ruled for a majority of the the 15th century by Emperor Maxmillian I, however the class system was very transient and rulers came and went pretty quickly. Some of the most popular religions of the time were Roman Catholic and Orthodox.
In conclusion, Verona, Italy was experiencing a fast-paced revolution. Scholars and artists began to make a living by selling their artwork and inventions. Verona, the setting for Romeo and Juliet, was one of the most prospering cities in all of Italy. Verona was definitely an exciting place to live in during the Renassiance of the 14th and 15th centuries.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
INSANITY
Insanity= Doing something over and over again and expecting different results.
I have to admit that my life is pretty predictable haha. There isn't much insanity going on in my life, but that doesn't mean that I have never experienced it before. There are tiny amounts of little tidbits of insanity all over the place. That's life, man. Whenever life throws a curveball at you, you have to get over the insanity and adapt to it. An example of how i have adapted to insanity in my life was when when we first got my dog, Cloe. Trust me, my dog is INSANE. My home life was always very peaceful before we got Cloe, but when she came life changed a bit. She always needed attention when she was little, and when she didn't get what she wanted, she would bark her little head off. It was really annoying, and made me, well, insane at times haha. However, now i have adapted and I couldn't imagine life without the insanity that Cloe brings to the house at times.
Sure, insanity can really upset you at times, but in the end it might actually help you in the long run. You have to learn to deal with the situation thrown at you, and adapt to make it better for you. We all have those times where you stop and think to yourself, "THIS IS INSANE!!!," but hey, that's what makes life exciting. :]
Insanity.....you gotta love it :]
I have to admit that my life is pretty predictable haha. There isn't much insanity going on in my life, but that doesn't mean that I have never experienced it before. There are tiny amounts of little tidbits of insanity all over the place. That's life, man. Whenever life throws a curveball at you, you have to get over the insanity and adapt to it. An example of how i have adapted to insanity in my life was when when we first got my dog, Cloe. Trust me, my dog is INSANE. My home life was always very peaceful before we got Cloe, but when she came life changed a bit. She always needed attention when she was little, and when she didn't get what she wanted, she would bark her little head off. It was really annoying, and made me, well, insane at times haha. However, now i have adapted and I couldn't imagine life without the insanity that Cloe brings to the house at times.
Sure, insanity can really upset you at times, but in the end it might actually help you in the long run. You have to learn to deal with the situation thrown at you, and adapt to make it better for you. We all have those times where you stop and think to yourself, "THIS IS INSANE!!!," but hey, that's what makes life exciting. :]
Insanity.....you gotta love it :]
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Interpreting A Scene Of Romeo And Juliet.....
I did the best i could haha. Shakespeare language is so stinking confusing!!!! :]
Act I, Scene ii
Setting: A street
[Capulet, County Paris, a Clown, and his servant come in]
Capulet: I just don't understand why that old bag Montague keeps picking fights with me. Are we that different? No! We are practically the same! It shouldn't be that hard for us to keep peace!
Paris: You both come from honerable families, my lord. It is a shame that you have been fighting this long. Now, what do you want from me?
Capulet: Well, like I said before: my daughter is very young and a stranger to what the world offers. She is not even yet fourteen years old! I think that we should wait 2 more years, as she is not yet ready to be a bride. Giver her time.
Paris: But, there are many other happy mothers out there which are younger than her.
Capulet: And ruined for life are those married so young! I have been upset in my life many times, but my Juliet is one of the only happinesses I have. But go on, young Paris, win her love, I will not interfere with that. But I think she believes that when she makes her choic, she will value my opinion. With that being said, tonight i am having a party with lots of food and tons of guests, and you are invited! At my house tonight, you should check out all the girls. Perhaps you will find another bride which you can wed sooner. I insit you come, my boy, it will be a knee-slapping good time! [hands a list to the servant] Go my servant! Travel across all of Verona and find those people on the list. Tell them they are welcome at my home for the party of the century!
[Paris and Capulet leave]
Servant: Find all the people on the list? It is said that all people are to do what they are meant to do: the fisherman shall fish, the tailor shall sew, the painter shall paint, and yet I am sent to give out invitations to people, and I do not even know how to read! I must learn to read their names. Ah! Just in time!
[Benvolio and Romeo come in]
Benvolio: Geez man! I know that you are very upset right now, but can't you let me try and help! I can try and ease your troubles. You need to be happy again and learn how to bounce back from your problems. Grief can only lead to everlasting grief. If you take a new perspective, then the old will stay away!
Romeo: Dude, I bet your plaintain leaf (like a band-aid) will be perfect for that.
Bevolio: Perfect for what?
Romeo: For your broken shin which I am about to give you.
Benvolio: Why would you do that Romeo? Why are you so mad!?
Romeo: I'm not mad, but more confused like a madman is: shut up in prison without food. Tortured and tormented and- Oh, good day there fellow.
Servant: Good day to you as well man. I beg of you, can you read?
Romeo: Indeed I can, but only if it is my own language.
Servant: Well, maybe you learned it without a book. Perhaps you can least try?
Romeo: Yes I can, but i have to first see if if the letters are in my language. Later?
Servant: That is fine. Farewell.
Romeo: Don't leave, good man. I'm just kidding. I can read, let me see the letter.
1. Mr. Martino and family
2. County Anslem and his beautiful daugters
3. The widow of Vitruvio
4. Mr. Placentino and his lovely daughters
5. Mercutio and his brother, Valentine
6. My Uncle Capulet and family
7. My neice Rosalina
8. Mr. Valentino and his cousin Tybalt
9. Lucio and the lively Helena
A great group of people. Where are they going to tonight?
Servant: Up.
Romeo: To where, supper perhaps?
Servant: Yes, to the house.
Romeo: Whose house? Just answer the question man!
Servant: My master's
Romeo: Oh, duh. I guess I should have asked that before.
Servant: Well, I'll tell you the answer to your next question without you asking. My master is lord Capulet. And unless your a Montague, then you are welcome to come and drink some wine and have a good time. Goodbye. [leaves]
Benvolio: At this same party there will be the lovely Rosaline, whom I know you love, along with all the hotties of Verona. Go there with an unpredjudiced eye, and compare her to some I will show you. Believe me, Rosaline will look like a crow.
Romeo: I do not believe you, Benvolio. My love for Rosaline will never die. There is nothing more lovely then her! Not even the sun itself can match her beauty!
Benvolio: No way man! You have to be more open for change! Your Rosaline is hooking up with another woman! If you go to this party, you will see the beauty that all the other women can offer, and you'll see how scant Rosaline has become.
Romeo: I will go, and with open eyes. But I will always love my Rosaline.
[end scene]
Act I, Scene ii
Setting: A street
[Capulet, County Paris, a Clown, and his servant come in]
Capulet: I just don't understand why that old bag Montague keeps picking fights with me. Are we that different? No! We are practically the same! It shouldn't be that hard for us to keep peace!
Paris: You both come from honerable families, my lord. It is a shame that you have been fighting this long. Now, what do you want from me?
Capulet: Well, like I said before: my daughter is very young and a stranger to what the world offers. She is not even yet fourteen years old! I think that we should wait 2 more years, as she is not yet ready to be a bride. Giver her time.
Paris: But, there are many other happy mothers out there which are younger than her.
Capulet: And ruined for life are those married so young! I have been upset in my life many times, but my Juliet is one of the only happinesses I have. But go on, young Paris, win her love, I will not interfere with that. But I think she believes that when she makes her choic, she will value my opinion. With that being said, tonight i am having a party with lots of food and tons of guests, and you are invited! At my house tonight, you should check out all the girls. Perhaps you will find another bride which you can wed sooner. I insit you come, my boy, it will be a knee-slapping good time! [hands a list to the servant] Go my servant! Travel across all of Verona and find those people on the list. Tell them they are welcome at my home for the party of the century!
[Paris and Capulet leave]
Servant: Find all the people on the list? It is said that all people are to do what they are meant to do: the fisherman shall fish, the tailor shall sew, the painter shall paint, and yet I am sent to give out invitations to people, and I do not even know how to read! I must learn to read their names. Ah! Just in time!
[Benvolio and Romeo come in]
Benvolio: Geez man! I know that you are very upset right now, but can't you let me try and help! I can try and ease your troubles. You need to be happy again and learn how to bounce back from your problems. Grief can only lead to everlasting grief. If you take a new perspective, then the old will stay away!
Romeo: Dude, I bet your plaintain leaf (like a band-aid) will be perfect for that.
Bevolio: Perfect for what?
Romeo: For your broken shin which I am about to give you.
Benvolio: Why would you do that Romeo? Why are you so mad!?
Romeo: I'm not mad, but more confused like a madman is: shut up in prison without food. Tortured and tormented and- Oh, good day there fellow.
Servant: Good day to you as well man. I beg of you, can you read?
Romeo: Indeed I can, but only if it is my own language.
Servant: Well, maybe you learned it without a book. Perhaps you can least try?
Romeo: Yes I can, but i have to first see if if the letters are in my language. Later?
Servant: That is fine. Farewell.
Romeo: Don't leave, good man. I'm just kidding. I can read, let me see the letter.
1. Mr. Martino and family
2. County Anslem and his beautiful daugters
3. The widow of Vitruvio
4. Mr. Placentino and his lovely daughters
5. Mercutio and his brother, Valentine
6. My Uncle Capulet and family
7. My neice Rosalina
8. Mr. Valentino and his cousin Tybalt
9. Lucio and the lively Helena
A great group of people. Where are they going to tonight?
Servant: Up.
Romeo: To where, supper perhaps?
Servant: Yes, to the house.
Romeo: Whose house? Just answer the question man!
Servant: My master's
Romeo: Oh, duh. I guess I should have asked that before.
Servant: Well, I'll tell you the answer to your next question without you asking. My master is lord Capulet. And unless your a Montague, then you are welcome to come and drink some wine and have a good time. Goodbye. [leaves]
Benvolio: At this same party there will be the lovely Rosaline, whom I know you love, along with all the hotties of Verona. Go there with an unpredjudiced eye, and compare her to some I will show you. Believe me, Rosaline will look like a crow.
Romeo: I do not believe you, Benvolio. My love for Rosaline will never die. There is nothing more lovely then her! Not even the sun itself can match her beauty!
Benvolio: No way man! You have to be more open for change! Your Rosaline is hooking up with another woman! If you go to this party, you will see the beauty that all the other women can offer, and you'll see how scant Rosaline has become.
Romeo: I will go, and with open eyes. But I will always love my Rosaline.
[end scene]
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Critiquing Romeo and Juliet......
http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/romeojuliet/
^^The website i chose to critique
This website is a very informative and useful source that provides assistance to students while they read the infamous William Shakespeare play, Romeo and Juliet. Some handy feautures included in the wesite are chapter summaries, chapter analyses, a plot overview, character descriptions, study guides, and a quiz is even included for you to take after you finish reading the play. I definitely plan on using this website as we prepare to read Romeo and Juliet.
I am indeed looking forward to reading my first piece of William Shakespeare's literature, and this website can assist me as we read it in class. Here is an example of a section of a chapter summary for Act I, Scene III:
"Lady Capulet asks Juliet what she thinks about getting married. Juliet replies that she has not given it any thought. Lady Capulet observes that she gave birth to Juliet when she was almost Juliet’s current age. She excitedly continues that Juliet must begin to think about marriage because the “valiant Paris” has expressed an interest in her (I.iii.76). Juliet dutifully replies that she will look upon Paris at the feast to see if she might love him.' As you can see, the summary is informative and succint.
I look forward to using the 'site, and i give it a full 10/10! haha :]
-P. Dizzle
^^The website i chose to critique
This website is a very informative and useful source that provides assistance to students while they read the infamous William Shakespeare play, Romeo and Juliet. Some handy feautures included in the wesite are chapter summaries, chapter analyses, a plot overview, character descriptions, study guides, and a quiz is even included for you to take after you finish reading the play. I definitely plan on using this website as we prepare to read Romeo and Juliet.
I am indeed looking forward to reading my first piece of William Shakespeare's literature, and this website can assist me as we read it in class. Here is an example of a section of a chapter summary for Act I, Scene III:
"Lady Capulet asks Juliet what she thinks about getting married. Juliet replies that she has not given it any thought. Lady Capulet observes that she gave birth to Juliet when she was almost Juliet’s current age. She excitedly continues that Juliet must begin to think about marriage because the “valiant Paris” has expressed an interest in her (I.iii.76). Juliet dutifully replies that she will look upon Paris at the feast to see if she might love him.' As you can see, the summary is informative and succint.
I look forward to using the 'site, and i give it a full 10/10! haha :]
-P. Dizzle
Monday, March 3, 2008
How Fory Cherry has prepared me...or hasn't?
Well, I have gone to Fort Cherry since Kindergarten, and I have to say, I have loved it. I have made many friends and have had many great times. I have been lucky and have had some great teachers, and I have learned a good bit. However, I see other people, such as my cousins and other friends, and it blows my mind. Compared to our little Fort Cherry, other schools such as Upper Saint Claire (where my cousins go) our school looks like nothing. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as I do feel I learned a lot. Mrs. Knight, I am not saying English! haha But, I have gotten straight As almost all of my high school career, and I do work hard. My teachers this year, as a freshman, have been....lets say, different. I have crazy Mr. Hallowich who chucks chalk at the wall, and loopy Ms. Spada who names her pencil sharpener. Haha But i have enjoyed this year and it is going very well. Now, on to the main point of this blog, has ole FC prepared me well enough for my future in college? The answer, i suppose, would be "yes." I have learned a lot, made great friends, and now even and learning about technology! So yeah, i am prepared for my future, and i suppose most of the credit goes to little FC. :]
-P.Dizzle
-P.Dizzle
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