In William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, the phrase ‘fortune’s fool’ appears when Romeo reflects on his unfortunate fate after he kills Tybalt. This expression encapsulates the idea that Romeo is at the mercy of fate or destiny, which seems to lead him from one tragic event to another.
When Romeo refers to himself as ‘fortune’s fool’, he acknowledges that despite his intentions and actions, external circumstances play a significant role in shaping his life. The term ‘fool’ suggests that he feels powerless and manipulated by fortune, as if it were a game or a cruel jest that he is unwittingly part of.
This theme of fate versus free will is central to the play. Romeo believes that he is driven by forces beyond his control, and this belief ultimately contributes to the tragic outcome of the story. In essence, ‘fortune’s fool’ highlights the conflict between personal choice and the uncontrollable whims of fate, making it a poignant reflection on the human experience.