Conflict and Violence are central to the Play "Romeo and Juliet".

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Conflict and Violence are central to the Play "Romeo and Juliet".

 Discuss this theme with reference to at least three scenes in the play.

‘Romeo and Juliet’ is a tragic play which is about to star crossed lovers torn between their feuding families. In Verona, the feud between the Capulets and the Montagues reigns supreme. This rules seemingly over justice and over love. Although ‘Romeo and Juliet is about love, there are many scenes that contain violence and conflict. The play opens with a civil brawl and ends in tragic death. Romeo and Juliet’s young lives are brought to gruesome end, through the violence around them.  

The Elizabethan period in England had a daily life based on social order. The queen was believed to be God's representation here on Earth. They also believed that God had formed these social ranks and had showered blessings on each rank. By the time Shakespeare was born, Queen Elizabeth I was already on throne. At the time Shakespeare wrote the play, Queen Elizabeth I and England were at war against the Spanish Armada. There was violence and conflict in the real world, therefore this gave William Shakespeare the idea to use it as a main theme in his play ‘Romeo and Juliet’. Characters such as Romeo, Tybalt, and Benvolio are from high classed families, therefore they don’t need to work or educate themselves. Instead they are told to learn how to fight (fencing) and defend themselves.

The play is set in the heat of summer in the streets of Verona. “Two households, both alike in dignity, (In fair Verona, where we lay our scene), from ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.” This creates irony that such hatred is active in a beautiful city.
Shakespeare uses only five days in the play from when Romeo and Juliet first meet to their deaths. The speed of events keeps the audience continuously involved with the play. The play opens with a prologue and this is where the violence is first introduced and undoubtedly made clear that it will be a main theme throughout the play. The main form of conflict in the play is the ongoing feud between the two families, "From ancient grudge break to new mutiny." This is the first reference to any form of conflict within the play.

Immediately in Act 1 Scene 1 we are introduced to violence.  The scene begins with two Capulet servants who are boasting about themselves, they are also insulting the Montague household. ‘A dog of the of Montague moves me.’ This shows how devoted and faithful the servants are to their masters. One of the Capulet servants Sampson wants to start a brawl. ‘I will bite my thumb at them’, and from this comment we discover that the Montague household holds a strong grudge against the Capulets. Benvolio, the peaceful one, out the Montagues enters and tries to break up the fight. ‘Part, fools!’ Tybalt’s behaviour is in a contrasting manner to Benvolio. Tybalt acts abnormal taunting his enemy as if violence is the only solution to any problem. ‘What, art thou drawn among these heartless hindes?’ Turn thee Benvolio, look upon thy death’. These small words can often cause such chaos between the enemies. Often the only way for a man to get respect is to show their physical ability. Tybalt’s words sting Benvolio, as he has been greatly insulted. Tybalt continues to deeply insult the Montagues. ‘I hate the word peace, as I hate all Montague’s, and Have at thee coward. Strike! Beat them down.’ Lord Capulet and Montague hear about the vicious fight, ‘what noise is this’ and are drawn in to the conflict too. ‘Give me my long sword ho!’ This makes it clear, that the families’ only solution is violence and conflict.

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Moreover, this scene is important because it tells the audience a lot about the characters and the authority of the Prince. And yet this authority comes from ruling through the heart of violence. For example, the Prince says ‘By thee old Capulet and Montague, Have thrice disturbed the quiet of our street…’ He explains to Capulet and Montague that if anyone disturbs the peace again in this way they will be executed. This opening scene starts the play off with a violent atmosphere and this violent atmosphere continues throughout the play. This scene also tells ...

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