Simone Jiao Mr.

Sharp ENG 2DI April 4, 2011

The Impact of Fate-guiding Minor Characters in Life

To prove the existence of destiny is a near impossible task. However, humans can not help but have a suspicion that somehow, they are being guided. For every decision they make, there is a chance that somewhere in the stars, there is a force guiding them towards the path they need to follow; a predetermined destiny. These helping hands could appear in any form, they could even be human; a minor character put in place to lead the main towards their fate. As proven in Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet, these peripheral characters in ones life help guide them towards their fate. An example of the helpfulness of a minor character is first shown by recalling how Romeo and Juliet managed to stay together. This is first demonstrated by an illiterate Capulet servant. Not knowing how to read the list Lord Capulet sent with him, he asks Romeo for assistance. Romeo learns that this is an invitation to a ball, and ponders whether to attend or not. If it had not been for this small character in the play, Romeo would have not gone to meet Juliet; his fate would be different. Another example of a fate-guiding character is Mercutio, who also contributes to Romeo and Juliets first meeting. Knowing the dangers of a Montague at a Capulets part, Romeo plans to not attend. However, claiming that it will help him get over this depression over Rosaline, Mercutio convinces him otherwise. Romeo closes the scene by saying, Some consequence, yet hanging in the stars, / Shall bitterly began his fearful date [I, IV, 106-

107]. By saying this, he is foreshadowing his meeting with Juliet, which he believes to be written in the stars. If Romeo had not been convinced to attend the ball, there is a possibility that he would have never met Juliet. Though there is no way to know for sure, Romeos destiny would be changed without Mercutio. A third character that guides Romeo and Juliet by helping them stay together is Friar Laurence. Not only does he marry them, but he also comes up with plans for them to run away. Although most characters oppose the love between Romeo and Juliet, Friar Laurence assumes that their love will bring the Montagues and Capulets closer. He says, The violent delights have violent ends, / And in their triumph die, like fire and power, / Which as they kiss consume [II, VI, 9-11]. He realizes that Romeo and Juliet do truly love each other, and by saying this, he wonders if being together is their fate. These three minor characters, with different roles in the play, have all guided destiny in a way to ensure that Romeo and Juliet stay together. In Romeo and Juliet, many characters and events contribute to the force that separates the two lovers; a part of their inevitable fate. The first is undoubtedly the fight between Mercutio and Tybalt, one of the high points of the play. These characters, although they have somewhat small roles, play major parts in Romeo and Juliets destiny. Mercutio is very hot-headed and being enemies with Tybalt, they naturally start fighting when they encounter. However this time, Romeo is on his way back from his wedding. Remembering that Tybalt is part of his new wifes family, he tries to convince Mercutio to restrain himself. His attempts fail, and Mercutio is killed. Furious, Romeo says, Away to heaven, respective lenity Now, Tybalt, take the villain back again / That late thou gavest me; for Mercutios soul / Is but a little way above our heads [III, I, 123-125]. With that, he then kills Tybalt which gets him banished from Verona. Because of destiny,

Romeo had run into Mercutio and Tybalt at the time he did. If he had not, not only there be of chance that Mercutio is still alive, but he would not have been banished either. It is this event, and these characters, that lead to the falling action of the play. It is kismet that eventually separates Romeo and Juliet, but Lord and Lady Capulet guide it along as well. Not knowing about Juliets secret marriage, they are convinced that Paris is the most adequate suitor for Juliet. Juliet finds out about their plans for her marriage and is desperate to prevent it. This angers her father, and he gives her the ultimatum of marrying Paris, or living on the street. Juliet then rushes to find a solution, and finds it at Friar Laurences. She then takes the sleeping potion. Juliets parents put pressure on her to marry Paris, which forces her to find a quick way to prevent it. Because of Lord and Lady Capulet, Romeo and Juliet were separated. Nevertheless, this proves that they had an impact on the lovers destiny. The death of Romeo and Juliet is an unavoidable part of their destiny. Although it is believed to be predetermined, many minor characters ensure that their fate is carried out. The first example of this is Friar John. He does not play a large role in the play or the destinies of the main characters, but he does do this part to ensure that their fate is pushed on. After giving Juliet the potion that will keep her asleep, Friar Laurence writes Romeo a letter explaining the plan, and gives it to Friar John to pass on to Romeo. However, Mantua is locked when he arrives, and Romeo does not receive the letter. If Friar John had arrived just an hour earlier, Romeo and Juliets destiny would be changed. The second minor character who made sure Romeos fate was carried out by contributing to his death is Romeos servant, Balthasar. After seeing Capulets carrying Juliets corpse to her tomb, Balthasar rushes to tell Romeo of her death. Romeo then says, Is it even so? Then I defy you, stars! [V, I, 24]. By saying this, he is challenging fate to change its

course. He is also proving his belief in fate existing. Balthasar finding out about Juliets death is not part of Friar Laurences plan, and if it were not for destiny, who allowed him to find out, Romeo and Juliet would be together. Another peripheral character in Romeo and Juliet that guides their fate is evidently the apothecary in Mantua. After learning about his lovers death, Romeo quickly knocks on the door of a poor apothecarys house and offers, Hold, there is forty ducats. Let me have / A dram of poison [V, I, 59-60]. It is illegal to sell poison, but seeing the money Romeo offers, the apothecary gives in. By doing this, this minor character gives Romeo his way to die. If he had followed the law and did not, Romeos destiny would be altered. In conclusion, lifes destiny is guided by its peripheral characters. Although many believe that a persons destiny is unavoidable, there are minor characters that push the main towards the path they must take to fulfill their destiny. These examples are shown by the minor characters in Romeo and Juliet, who all carve a piece of Romeo or Juliets fate and events that impact their destiny. This includes their first encounter, the events that separated them, and their tragic death. Although it is inconclusive for there to be evidence to prove the notion of destiny, the events in Romeo and Juliet prove that it is those individuals whose influence is merely ephemeral that affect it the most.