Question

Highlight details that help you understand Romeo's character.

Benvolio: This wind you talk of blows us from ourselves;

Supper is done, and we shall come too late.

Romeo: I fear too early; for my mind misgives

Some consequence yet hanging in the stars

Shall bitterly begin his fearful date

With this night's revels, and expire the term

Of a despised life clos'd in my breast

By some vile forfeit of untimely death.

But he, that hath the steerage of my course,

Direct my sail!

—Romeo and Juliet,
William Shakespeare

What can be concluded about Romeo from this dialogue? Check all that apply.

He is a worrier.
He is excited for the party.
He believes that he controls his future.
He is superstitious.
He believes in fate.

Answer 1

He is a worrier. — Yes. (“I fear too early; for my mind misgives” shows anxiety and foreboding.)

He is excited for the party. — No. He expects the revel to bring a fearful consequence, not pleasure or eagerness.

He believes that he controls his future. — No. He asks “he, that hath the steerage of my course, / Direct my sail!” implying someone else steers his fate.

He is superstitious. — Yes. His reference to things “hanging in the stars” reflects belief in astrological signs or supernatural influence.

He believes in fate. — Yes. The lines about consequences “hanging in the stars” and a steerer of his course show he thinks destiny governs events.