Star-crossed

"Star-crossed" is a phrase generally associated with William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet. Other famous star-crossed lovers include Lancelot and Guinevere and Tristan and Isolde. It refers to destiny and the inevitability of the two characters' paths crossing each other. In general, it means unlucky, since Romeo and Juliet's affair ended tragically. It is a reference to those who fight against (or cross) their fate, which is written in the stars. During Shakespeare's time, there was a great belief in the Hierarchy of Being, promoted extensively by the Church, and this would be considered part of the predestined societal positions that Romeo and Juliet were attempting to usurp with their love.