It is often thought that one’s fate is preordained; one is at the mercy of a higher power. Yet William Shakespeare disputes this belief, stating that “The fault […] is not in our stars / But in ourselves” (Julius Caesar 1.2.140-41). This recurring theme appears throughout many of Shakespeare’s works, including Julius Caesar, and Romeo & Juliet, along with John Madden’s film Shakespeare in Love. Ultimately, Brutus, Romeo, and Viola from these works, prove that one rules his/her own fate. First, Brutus, from Julius Caesar, is the sole cause of his own demise. Brutus, a once loyal and honourable man, falls prey to Cassius’ plans of treachery. His fall from grace as Caesar’s beloved friend to a traitorous conspirator is depicted through his thoughtless acts—his first being allowing Mark Antony to speak at Caesar’s funeral. Despite clear evidence of Antony’s unwavering loyalty and love to Caesar, Brutus believes that Antony speaking “shall advantage more than…show more content… Romeo’s infatuation with Juliet upon first meeting her catches the attention of Tybalt, spurring Tybalt to seek him out the next day with an intent to punish. However, Tybalt finds Mercutio, and tensions begin to rise. Romeo appears on the street as Mercutio challenges Tybalt to a duel—one which Romeo tries to intervene and stop. However, when Romeo steps between the two, Tybalt tries to stab him; he misses, hitting Mercutio and killing him. Consequently, Romeo declares, “Away to heaven, respective lenity, / And fire-ey’d fury be my conduct now!”, dueling Tybalt and killing him (Romeo & Juliet 3.1.119-20). As Tybalt is a beloved member of the Capulet family, his murder calls for repercussions; Romeo’s sentence is banishment. Hence, Romeo’s act of murdering Tybalt is the sole cause of his fate. Additionally, Romeo’s hasty act of committing suicide is the ultimate factor that contributes to his
