Discuss the representation of the feud in Romeo and Juliet.

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Discuss the representation of the feud in Romeo and Juliet.

The essence of Romeo and Juliet involves the lovers’ struggle against the social structures which prohibit their union.  This essay will examine these structures, which range from the concrete to the abstract, their families’ enmity and the social importance placed on masculine honour.  These obstacles spring from the families’ ‘ancient grudge’ and I will analyse the vehicles used by Shakespeare to represent the feud to the audience.

The theme of violent tragedy runs through the work almost from the opening lines.  Chorus tells the story of the play and appears to judge the parents of the lovers as their murderers due to their inability to resolve their differences.

‘A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life………………        

Which but their children’s end naught could remove-‘ (1.1.6 –10).  

It is notable that no reason is explained for the conflict and this serves to make it appear particularly futile. To Shakespeare’s audience, public feuding and fighting were a matter of daily occurrence despite laws which sought ineffectively to control them.  Here Shakespeare draws a parallel with the ineffectual laws of Verona.

The feud justifies many aspects of life in Verona and draws many parallels to life in Elizabethan England where duels and public affrays where considered the norm.  Family honour, particularly masculine honour, was considered to be of paramount importance engaging not only the nobility but also their servants.  It is the importance of this honour which is the cause of the outbreaks of violence which disturb the public peace throughout the play.  Shakespeare uses the feud to create a profound conflict for the lovers.  The enmity between their families, coupled with the emphasis placed on loyalty and honour to kin, combine to force them to rebel against their heritages, marrying in secret and, inevitably, their double suicide.  Even the good intentions of the Nurse and Friar Lawrence are doomed as all must be conducted clandestinely.

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A pivotal point in the play is Act 3.1 when Tybalt is slain by Romeo.  Shakespeare uses the hot blood of youth as a vehicle to reinforce the feud and further distance Romeo from his goal both physically and mentally as he is banished to Mantua, guilt-ridden having caused the death of his new wife’s cousin.  He has been forced by social expectations into fighting against his judgement.  Their love is in opposition to the decrees of their society and their determination to be together results in their deaths.  He protests that he loves Tybalt:

        ‘But love thee better ...

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