What Does Star Crossed Lovers Mean?

Star-crossed lovers struggle to stay together despite outside forces pulling them apart.

Falling in love won't be a joy if you and your beloved are star-crossed. Pulled apart by outside forces, star-crossed lovers struggle to stay together.

Astrological Origin

In the past, people believed the stars controlled their fates. Astrology, or the position of the stars in the heavens, foretold people's lives. Despite their desires, star-crossed lovers could do little to control their destinies.

Destiny

Destined to meet, star-crossed lovers must usually overcome a large obstacle for their relationship to thrive. Often the stars have doomed the relationship no matter what.

Famous Examples

William Shakespeare first penned the phrase "star-crossed lovers" in his play, "Romeo and Juliet," and the two title characters remain the most famous of literature's star-crossed lovers. Such relationships occur often in literature, like Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff in Emily Bronte's "Wuthering Heights," and still appear in popular culture with characters like Superman and Lois Lane.

References

• Dictionary.com:Star-Crossed Lovers