How is the theme of fate addressed in Shakespeare's 'Romeo & Juliet'?

One of the most noticeable ways in which the play addresses fate is through the usage of stars as a metaphor to embody its characteristics. Romeo & Juliet opens with a narrated prologue, during which the fated couple are referred to as "a pair of star-cross'd lovers". Later, Romeo echoes this sentiment via his concerns over "Some consequence yet hanging in the stars". The use of such a metaphor has multiple explanations; taking a more benign view of fate, it could be argued that its positive aspects are reflected in the beauty of stars. After all, the "star-cross'd lovers" were only brought together by fate, and this is ultimately what brings about peace between the warring families. However, a more objective, less naive analysis of fate may also be viewed through the star metaphor. Stars are powerful balls of burning gas, far beyond our reach, much as none of the characters of 'Romeo & Juliet' can overpower or grapple with their own fates. Rather, like the stars in the night sky, they are resolved to accept them. As Romeo remarks after the death of Tybalt "I am fortune's fool". While there is certainly a temptation to view this quote as a demonstration of Romeo's youthful petulance, we may sympathise with a character who, as implied in the prologue, was doomed to follow the wrong path by forces far beyond his control. It is arguably more churlish of Romeo to attempt to battle fate when he cries out “then I defy you, stars!”. The audience is aware that the “star-cross’d lovers” are fated to die, and that Romeo’s defiance is thus in vain. It is also crucial that Romeo’s refusal to accept fate is the very thing that dooms him and his lover; his return to Verona leads to the Friar’s plan going wrong, and the couple’s tragic double suicide, thereby demonstrating the inescapable nature of fate.