Why does Shakespeare refer to 'stars' so much?

The idea of fate is introduced right at the start of the play with 'star-cross'd lovers' which is the idea that, no matter what Romeo and Juliet do, they cannot change what happens because it is written in the stars - maybe there is the idea that the stars are out of their reach quite literally, but also figuratively?

Celestial imagery is used frequently throughout the play - in Act 2 Scene 2 Romeo compares Juliet to the stars, the moon, and other wonders in the universe. In Shakespeares time, these would have been seen as fairly mystical, possibly with magical elements that far surpassed the understanding of many people - this would possibly lead the audience to infer things like Romeo's love being limitless, like the wonders of the universe, that Juliet was 'out of this world', and that their love was meant to be - the imagery and flamboyant langauge of Romeo also portrays his boldness and forwardness in the relationship, showing that he is taking the forward role so to speak.

The langauge of Romeo - likening Juliet to stars - can also portray him as having his 'head stuck in the clouds' so to speak - he is blinded by love.

I've got more that I could say on this - I did my A Level coursework on Romeo and Juliet as one of my main texts... feel free to PM me if you want any more help or if none of this makes sense/helps at all!

Do you have any notes on romeo and Juliet which you can share with me? I am doing this play at gcse and I am really struggling.

I will do! I'm at home for the weekend and my old laptop is at uni still, but when I'm back on Sunday evening I'll have a look for you

The idea of fate is introduced right at the start of the play with 'star-cross'd lovers' which is the idea that, no matter what Romeo and Juliet do, they cannot change what happens because it is written in the stars - maybe there is the idea that the stars are out of their reach quite literally, but also figuratively?

Celestial imagery is used frequently throughout the play - in Act 2 Scene 2 Romeo compares Juliet to the stars, the moon, and other wonders in the universe. In Shakespeares time, these would have been seen as fairly mystical, possibly with magical elements that far surpassed the understanding of many people - this would possibly lead the audience to infer things like Romeo's love being limitless, like the wonders of the universe, that Juliet was 'out of this world', and that their love was meant to be - the imagery and flamboyant langauge of Romeo also portrays his boldness and forwardness in the relationship, showing that he is taking the forward role so to speak.

The langauge of Romeo - likening Juliet to stars - can also portray him as having his 'head stuck in the clouds' so to speak - he is blinded by love.

I've got more that I could say on this - I did my A Level coursework on Romeo and Juliet as one of my main texts... feel free to PM me if you want any more help or if none of this makes sense/helps at all!

Thank you. That's very kind from you.

Thanks so much!! this has been really helpful and i'll be sure to contact you if i need a bit more help on the play.