Nick Thorogood
Violence and conflict are central to "Romeo and Juliet." Discuss this theme with reference key scenes in this play.
Four hundred years ago, William Shakespeare wrote the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, a popular play that continues to capture the imagination and emotions of people around the world. The drama portrays the violent, but so passionate acts of love, which are shown throughout Romeo and Juliet. The consequences of the two families’ bitter, hostile fighting are portrayed emotionally through the premature demise of the “pair of star-cross’d lovers” in this saying; the Prologue instantly reveals that the fates of Romeo and Juliet are to come to an untimely end during the play.
In Verona, the feud between the Capulets and Montagues reigns supreme, and rules seemingly over love, over justice, in an almost unfair manner, as “civil blood makes civil hands unclean”. The image of violence being so unfair exists prominently in the deaths of so many of the cast. We see the two obvious images of the tragic death of Romeo and Juliet. Their young, pure lives are brought to a despicable end through the violence around them.
Immediately we are introduced to Capulet Servants, Who are caught confidently boasting about themselves, with Montague insults also part of their conversation, “A dog of the house of Montague moves me”. It also shows how devoted and faithful the servants are to their master. Sampson wants to start a brawl, “I will bite my thumb at them”, and from this comment, we discover that the Montague household bares a strong grudge against the Capulets. Benvolio enters and begins peace talks, “Part, fools!! Capulet’s nephew, Tybalt’s behaviour is in a contrasting manner to Benvolio. Tybalt acts antagonistically, taunting the men 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 these men can acquire respect is to show their physical ability. Tybalt's words sting Benvolio, as he has been greatly insulted. Put up thy sword'. Often the only way these men can acquire respect is to show their physical ability. This makes it evident that the families only way out is through violence and conflict, and do not realise that the fighting is futile. Tybalt is extremely bitter and deeply insults the Montague’s, '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 the vicious fight, “'what noise is this', and are soon drawn in, “Give me my long-sword ho!”. This makes it evident that the families’ only solution violence and conflict, and do not realise that the fighting is futile. The aim of the first scene is to introduce main points, which contribute greatly throughout the play; the violence is made strong even within the servants.
