As part of the theme of fate, the electrically charged meeting of Romeo and Juliet and the impetuousness of Romeo's actions underscore this theme. The quitessential Romantic in love--as his very name suggests--Romeo wallows in self-woe until he sees Juliet. That she is in the forbidden "camp" of the Capulets makes her all the more enticing. That she is also so young, is also a forbidden attraction for Romeo. Perhaps, as Benvolio has suggested, Romeo has
with unattainted eye/Compare[d] her face with some...(I,iii,78-79)
Likewise, Juliet is seeking a distraction from thoughts of another: her nurse has recently asked her if she can consider Count Paris. Juliet has replied,
I'll look to like, if looking liking move./But no more deep will I endart mine eye/Than your consent gives strength to make it fly. (I,iii, 67-69)
And, so, it seems that both Romeo and Juliet "are looking for love" as they seek distractions from the romantic troubles in which they presently find themselves. Even so, there is a subtle suggestion that Juliet would not have encouraged Romeo much; he is, rather, forward in his advances and Juliet admonishes him,
Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much,/Which mannerly devotion shows in this;/For saints have hands that pilgrims' hands do touch,/And palm to palm is holy palmer's kiss. (I,v,92-95)
Then, in the next scene, as Juliet longing says his name in a state of infatuation that is tempered by her knowledge that he is a Montague, Romeo appears and again impetuously declares his love. To this the more cautious Juliet replies,
How cames thou hither,...and wherefore?/The orchard walls are...the place death, considering who thou art (II,ii,62-64)
She further cautions him to "swear not by the moon, the inconstant moon" (II,ii,109); While Juliet fears that their love may not last, she does not yet feel the influence of fate as does Romeo who remarks,
Oh, blessed, blessed night! I am afeard./Being in night, all this is but a dream./Too flattering-sweet to be substantial. (II,ii,139-141)
Romeo senses fate, but he impetuously allows himself to be drawn to Juliet by his impulsive desires. Similarly, Juliet who declares,
My only love sprung from my only hate!/Too early seen unknown, and known too late!/Prodigious birth of love it is to me,/That I must love a loathed enemy (I,v,133-136)
senses fate, but is drawn to Romeo in a "star-crossed" love.
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