Lisa Tran

Mrs. Jimenez
CP English B
25 March 2014
Inevitable

Death lurks for his victims and is inevitable. The spectacular drama The Tragedy of

Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare utilizes foreshadowing to hint the reader the scenes

to come and the tragic ending. The natural process of a human being is to be born, grow up, age,

and eventually die. Life has an expiration date. Nothing lasts forever and all good things come to

an end.

Throughout the play, there are numerous hints of foreshadowing that leads to the

disastrous ending. At Capulets masquerade, Tybalt spots Romeo and claim he will retaliate. He

threatens, I will withdraw, but this intrusion shall. Now seeming sweet convert to bitter gall.

(1.2.91-92) Gall is something bitter much like poison which symbolize the nature of Romeos

death. Another example, when Juliet behest the Nurse to find out Romeos name Juliet says, If

he be married, my grave is like to be my wedding bed. (1.5.134-135) Without knowing it, Juliet

is prophesying how on her wedding day she will be on her deathbed.

As the story of the star-crossed lovers progresses, the foreshadowing becomes heavier.

On the balcony, Romeo says to Juliet, My life were better ended by their hate. Then death

prorogued, wanting to thy love. (2.2.77-78) Romeo would rather die being caught wandering

around Capulets backyard than to live without Juliet. His immense love for Juliet will

eventually lead to his fall. I dreamt my lady came and found me dead... And breathed such life

with kisses in my lips. exclaims Romeo (5.1.6-7) In actuality, Romeos dream comes true.

When Romeo died from drinking poison, Juliet kisses him goodbye.
 Shakespeare's use of foreshadowing warns the reader that peril is near. Before Friar

Lawrence weds Romeo and Juliet, he cautions, These violent delights have violent

endsTherefore love moderately, foreshadows that all good things come to an end. (2.6.9-14)

After Romeo finds out about Juliets death, he cries out, Then I defy you stars, and commits

suicide. Ironically, when Juliet wakes up and learns that Romeo is dead it prompts her to take her

own life. Death lingers throughout the play cheating Tybalt, Mercutio, Paris, Romeo, and Juliets

life.

In conclusion, foreshadowing builds tension and is a warning of future events. The

characters in the drama face numerous problems and obstacles that are resolved by the end.

Much like the characters in the play, people choose to commit suicide as the answer to their

problems.