In the prologue of Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare immediately indicates the tragic ending of the story through the use of foreshadowing and the reference to the fate of the main characters. The prologue is presented in the form of a sonnet and includes key phrases that reveal the fate of the "star-crossed lovers."
Specifically, the prologue states that Romeo and Juliet are "both alike in dignity" but are "from ancient grudge break to new mutiny," suggesting deep-rooted conflict between their families. The term "star-crossed" implies that their fate is predetermined by the stars, indicating that their love is doomed from the start. Additionally, the prologue concludes with the mention of their tragic deaths, stating that their misadventured piteous overthrows “do with their death bury their parents' strife.”
This explicit reference to their deaths signals to the audience that the story will end in tragedy, setting the tone for the unfolding events. Thus, right from the beginning, Shakespeare establishes a sense of inevitability about the tragic fate awaiting Romeo and Juliet.
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