Violent Scenes in Romeo and Juliet

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Violent scenes in Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’

        ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ written by William Shakespeare is a tragedy. This is because it has a melancholy theme and the end is even more so. The play is about two young lovers from feuding families who meet and fall for each other, but cannot declare their ardour for each other. They then decide to marry. Later that day Romeo is challenged to a fight by Tybalt, Juliet’s cousin. Romeo refuses, not wanting to harm Tybalt as they are now related. Romeo’s close friend Mercutio then steps in; a fight ensues resulting in Mercutio’s death. A vengeful Romeo subsequently follows Tybalt and kills him. He flees and the Prince of Verona then banishes him. Romeo visits Juliet but has to leave before he is discovered. Juliet is then told that she must marry another man. She visits Friar Lawrence who consequently gives her a sleeping drug, which will make her appear to be dead. The following morning she is found ‘dead’ and is given a burial. A letter that was sent to Romeo, about the plan, does not reach him, and he returns to Verona after hearing of Juliet’s death. He arrives at her tomb possessing poison, and distraught, he drinks it and dies. Juliet wakes up and finds her husband dead next to her. She then, beside herself with grief, stabs herself with Romeo’s dagger. Their families arrive, and agree to stop the feud.

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        Act 1, scene 1 is set in the streets of Verona. It begins with two men, Sampson and Gregory, of the Capulet house roaming the streets. They begin to discuss their hatred for the Montague family, ‘A dog of the house of Montague moves me.’ This statement means that even the most menial member of the Montague house is despised enough to be considered a foe. The conversation on the opposing house continues, complete with obscene reference to the Montague women, ‘I will push Montague’s men from the wall, and thrust his maids to the wall.’ The sexual innuendo ...

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