William Shakespeare introduces the idea of fate in the play “Romeo and Juliet” by using metaphors. Shakespeare uses metaphors because he wants more excitement and mystery in the play.
Romeo speaks to Mercutio about love and the Capulet party and how he feels that if he attends the party, he will die. Shakespeare includes a metaphor when Romeo says,
” I fear, too early: for my mind misgives
Some consequence yet hanging in the stars”
When Romeo says “some consequence yet hanging in the stars” it is a metaphor meaning that if he attends this party his “consequence” would be going to heaven. The metaphor also refers to what people say that are in the stars which is heaven. God lives in heaven, therefore Romeo lets God decide his fate.
October 13, 2015 at 3:26 pm
nice
October 14, 2015 at 10:33 pm
Andrew, this is so close to unlocking the ‘figure it out’ badge that I can taste it.
You’ve successfully identified a metaphor and linked it to the idea of fate. There’s a slight problem with the analysis of the metaphor as I believe when Shakespeare writes ‘hanging in the stars’, he more means ‘written in the stars’.
You’re right to refer to the stars as heaven – but the hanging bit refers more to the fact that it’s in his future, ‘hanging’ there, waiting to happen.
Lastly, to unlock the Figure it out badge, you’ll need to add some exploration of how this idea of fate is relevant to the play as a whole. Why do you think Shakespeare is going to this trouble to embed this idea into the play for Romeo?
This may come clearer as we read more of the play itself.