Conflict in Romeo and Juliet

Conflict is a central theme in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare presents the
theme of conflict through two warring families: the Montagues and the Capulets. The two
families have been taught to hate each other, and this hatred impacts on the family members
and the citizens of Verona. The citizens of Verona are unwillingly a part of the conflict as
they witness the ongoing battles between the two families - battles which often result in
death.

Shakespeare also presents the themes of conflict through inner familial conflict and
individual conflict. Where conflict is presented, the struggle for power and control is also
apparent.

How is the theme of conflict shown in Romeo and Juliet?

Conflict is shown in Romeo and Juliet through:

• the two warring families: Montagues and the Capulets

• Juliet's inner conflict when she discovers Romeo is a Montague
• conflict between Tybalt and Romeo
• conflict between Juliet and her father

How does Shakespeare

• Evidence Analysis
show this?

"Two households, both Shakespeare opens his play with

Shakespeare opens the alike in dignity, in fair the first line, illustrating the
play with a prologue Verona, where we lay "ancient" grudge that has been
The two
and it is here that he our scene, from happening in Verona. Shakespeare
warring
first depicts the conflict ancient grudge break does this to show that the conflict
families
between the Montagues to new mutiny, where has been ongoing and isn't likely
and the Capulets. civil blood makes civil to stop. He describes it as
hands unclean." "ancient"' to illustrate how
ingrained the conflict is with the
 How does Shakespeare
• Evidence Analysis
show this?

families - it is a part of their daily

lives.

Juliet uses 'must' which indicates

When Juliet discovers
that she has no other choice - she
the true identity of her
Juliet's loves Romeo and cannot change
true love, she is shocked "That I must love a
inner the fact. This presents a conflict
and cannot believe she loathed enemy."
conflict for Juliet, as she cannot change
loves someone who she
what she feels - despite knowing
is supposed to hate.
that she should.

Tybalt believes Romeo

to have greatly
Conflict "Boy, this shall not This shows that Tybalt believes he
dishonoured his family
between excuse the injuries that has been injured with Romeo's
when he gate-crashes
Tybalt thou hast done me; actions. He commands Romeo to
the Capulet party. He
and therefore turn and 'turn and draw', taking part in a
decides that Romeo
Romeo draw." fight.
must pay and offers to
duel with Romeo.