Essay On Foreshadowing In Romeo And Juliet

In William Shakespeare’s play, The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, two lovers are bound to death by fate, and the audience is informed of this fact by the large amount of foreshadowing seen throughout the play. In each scene, at least one example of foreshadowing can be seen. This literary device is used to help form the tone of the story and give readers a feeling for what is going to happen next.
For example, before the Capulet party, Romeo says that he had a dream, in which he had died, and that his death in the dream was linked to his attending the Capulet party. Mercutio says that dreams mean nothing, and pressures him into going to the party anyways. Romeo agrees, and begins the chain of events that lead to his and Juliet’s deaths. He shows how reluctant he is to go by stating,

He is speaking to himself about a dream he had where Juliet woke to find him dead. This is probably the most obvious foreshadow in the play, as that is exactly what happens when they are reunited in the Capulet tomb. Romeo does not know of the Friar’s plan and commits suicide before Juliet wakes up. She wakes to find him dead, and in turn kills herself. This foreshadowing is shown when Romeo states, “I dreamt my lady came and found me dead—/strange dream, that gives a dead man leave to think,” (5;1;6-7). This sets a sad mood for the reader, as the reader knows that the story will end with the two dying, and also knows that Romeo does not.
Overall, William Shakespeare successfully used foreshadowing consistently throughout the Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. It helps set the tone for the reader and helps the story progress smoothly. They foreshadowing lines help reveal Romeo’s character and keeps the reader engaged in the story. As the curtain closes, the audience is struck with a newfound love, and because of the excellent use of literary devices, Shakespeare’s writings continue to live to this