In Romeo and Juliet the lovers are referred to as "star-crossed lovers". Discuss the concept of predetermined/fate destiny in the play.

This is a massive area of debate, as Shakespeare presents Romeo
and Juliet as being "starr cross'd" from the very introduction of the play. Fate and destiny is
something that obstructs their happiness, seemingly at every turn, and reference is made to it by
Romeo and Juliet at various stages of their travails. Note, for example, Romeo's defiance when he
hears news of Juliet's supposed death: "I defy you stars!" Likewise, note Juliet's speech to
"Fortune" in Act III scene 5. It seems improbably that fate, destiny or fortune (call it what you
will) would plot to prevent these lovers having a happy ending, especially as so much good could
come from it, as Friar Lawrence is well aware. However, again and again, in the seemingly
accidental loss or mis-delivery of the letter to Romeo in his exile for example, and the way that
the lovers just miss meeting each other, fate seems to rule and to have pre-determined the tragic
end to this most romantic of stories.