Romeo and Juliet, a classic play written by William Shakespeare, is considered both a romance and tragedy combined. This famous love story between “two star-crossed lovers” led to the death of both Romeo and Juliet. There were many factors that led to the death of Romeo and Juliet and amongst these were fate, Friar Lawrence and Romeo and Juliet themselves.

Fate plays an important role in both Romeo and Juliet’s death. Throughout the play, fate seems to force both Romeo and Juliet together and apart. Firstly, as the Lord Capulet’s servant could not read the invitation to the party at the Capulet household, it was fate that led him to Romeo in the hope that he could help. Although the reason as to why Romeo wanted to attend this party was because he saw Rosaline’s name on the list, it was this encounter that led to Romeo and Juliet’s first meeting where Romeo declared that he had “ne’ve seen true beauty till this night” (Act 1, Scene 5, 53). Fate was again to blame for the tragedy when Friar Lawrence’s letter did not reach Romeo, as they could not “get a messenger to bring it to thee, so fearful were they of infection” (Act 5, Scene 2, 15-16). Friar Lawrence claimed that it was fate that stopped the letter reaching Romeo. Fate was a strong contributor to the lover’s deaths; however, Friar Lawrence and his many plans were also to blame for the lover’s deaths.

Friar Lawrence’s actions played a major role in the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. Friar Lawrence riskily agreed to marry Romeo and Juliet, knowing it may cause problems. In the beginning Friar thought it would be a good idea to marry Romeo and Juliet as he believed “this alliance may so happy prove to turn you households’ rancor to pure love” (Act 2, Scene 3, 94-95). Although this showed that the Friar had hope for their marriage, he soon began to doubt and regret agreeing to the marriage when he stated, “Too swift arrives as tardy as too slow” (Act 2, Scene 6, 15). Due to the whirlwind nature of their love Friar questioned Romeo’s feelings, and whilst he agreed to marry them, he urged them to love: “Wisely and slow. They stumble that run fast” (Act 2, Scene 3, 15). By thinking about his actions, he could have prevented the future tragedy. Friar even stated, “These violent delights have violent ends” (Act 2, Scene 6, 9) knowing the consequences would be harsh, but he still took the risk. Another action Friar made was not delivering the letter to Romeo himself. He sent the letter through Friar John, but did not tell Friar John the importance of the letter. Friar John failed to reach Romeo to give him the letter as he was held in a little town with ill people, and was not allowed to leave. Although Friar Lawrence failed to get the letter to Romeo, Romeo and Juliet’s actions led themselves to their deaths.

The two star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet were also to blame for their deaths