Conflict in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

Conflict in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet is a tragic play about the love relationship between

the young Romeo and Juliet, who belong to 2 ancient family names that

hold a grudge against each other, the Montagues and the Capulets.

There are also many other conflicts which ultimately stop Romeo and

Juliet form being together. The story was written by the famous play

writer, William Shakespeare, and originated the poem, 'the Tragicalle

Historye' of Romeo and Juliet written in 1452. Throughout the play

conflict is a very important issue and was the main reason the

relationship ended in tragedy.

In Romeo and Juliet, conflict is the focal point of the play as most

of the story is based around this. The conflict in the play is

introduced through nature, social and personal levels of feud. The

first major conflict that is essential to the play, and is the

backbone of the whole story is the feud between the families, the

Montague?s and the Capulet?s is very important as it is introduced in

the prologue, ?From ancient grudge break to new mutiny? showing that

the conflict has existed for many generations and once again the feud

has arisen to boiling point. The next line, ?where civil blood makes

civil hands unclean?, gives us the impression that the conflict

between the Montagues also involves many other people, which helps to

show the extent of the conflict. This is reinforced by the fact that

even the servants of the families are quarrelling during the beginning

of the play, just before the big fight that involves the whole of

Verona. Shakespeare shows this by making the servant use insults that

were used at ...

... middle of paper ...

...o and Juliet as a tragic production. This is because

without conflict the story would not carry the message of how people

should put their quarrels to bed before they have disastrous effects

and make you realise that people should live together in peace and

harmony. Conflict is the backbone of the play with one major feud

branching off into many other smaller feuds between various

characters. Romeo and Juliet would be meaningless with out feuds as it

helps to keep the play moving by adding an extra dimension, this can

be seen in any story as without feuds no story would be successful.

This is specifically shown in Romeo and Juliet wit the play being

built around the feud between the two families grudges over each

other, causing the relationship between Romeo and Juliet to be kept

secret and further tearing them apart.