"Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare

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“Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare

Violence and conflict are central to “Romeo and Juliet” discuss.

‘Romeo and Juliet’ is a tragedy about “a pair of star cross’d lovers”, blinded by their love for one another; it is a classic story of forbidden love, with scenes of high drama, killing and a tragic ending. The play both opens and ends with violent scenes, caused by the on going ‘grudge’ between the two families. The feud between the Montagues and the Capulets 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 the central characters of the cast. The young and pure lives of ‘Romeo’ and ‘Juliet’ is brought to a despicable end through the violence around them, which eventually brings about reconciliation between the families. Violence and conflict are the main themes of the play. Violence is the act of physically trying to injure someone; it is shown throughout the play accompanied by conflict. Conflict is tension and disagreement over a subject of discussion that can occur frequently. Many opposites such as love and hate, life and death have been used repeatedly to emphasis the conflict, which is presented well by William Shakespeare on different levels and in many ways. The themes of love and hate are used effectively, by applying different language, and the emotions expressed by the use of soliloquies. A great deal of violence and tension is built up from the start, but contrasted with the right amount of romance, producing an even balance. Shakespeare's use of contrast is well established in his opening prose, where he describes "Fair Verona where we lay our scene" with such romanticism and poetic taste, only to destroy this amity with descriptions of “mutiny”, and "civil blood”. The tension between these human emotions and the fine balance between passionate love and passionate hatred has a grand impact on the atmosphere and success of the play. Also, Shakespeare instantly instils dramatic irony into the play, as the prologue briefly reveals the tragedy to take place throughout, “the two hours traffic” on stage. From the introductory prologue, it becomes evidently clear that Romeo and Juliet’s love is “death marked” and their life is a “fearful passage” no doubt with an end. This creates a sense of impending, and inevitable tragedy, where violence and conflict is expected, rousing more interest and empathy rather than losing it. As, this technique leaves the audience to ponder the sullen irony that not even compassion can break the code of quarrel, only untimely death. Since the “star-cross’d” lovers are cruelly against an “ancient grudge”.

In “Romeo and Juliet” there are two main forms in which conflict comes into the play. These being physical conflict between people and the mental and emotional conflict of their feelings. The main physical conflict within this play is the feud between the Capulets and the Montagues. This conflict between the two families is first shown in Act 1 scene I, this scene is very important as it breaks the opening act and clearly shows the problems the two families are facing. The servants of the Capulet house are introduced, boasting about themselves.

“Gregory, on my word, we’ll not carry coals.”

However they do not only talk about themselves, but also bring the Montague servants into their minor discussion. They refer to them as a “dog of the house of Montague,” and their use of language becomes considerably vulgar, especially when discussing women. As, they continue to discuss fighting and state how “the weakest goes to the wall,” along come two Montague servants and the Capulets’ get ready to fight, “my naked weapon is out”. The small discussion between the servants leads to a fight involving most of Verona, indicating that there is a strong sense of hatred within the Capulets for the Montagues. Since the servants of the opposing households start a brawl and begin fighting, it emphasises how the violence and conflict affects the whole of the society, as even the servants’ fight. It also shows how devoted and faithful the servants are to their master, as they continue with the fight and use provocative language, “I do bite my thumb, sir” even though it is unnecessary. The scene with the servants is an attention-grabbing opening as sets the tone for the rest of play, by raising the tension level, creating the right effect to guaranteeing the full attention of the audience. The aim of the first scene is also to introduce the main points, which contribute greatly throughout the play; the violence is made strong even within the servants signifying that the feud between both households is overpowering, uncontrollable and extremely aggressive. Shakespeare may have used this scene to excite the audience and initially gain their interest while introducing many of the main characters in the play. Tybalt, a member of the Capulet family; is introduced. He enters the scene and conveys himself as an energetic and oblivious character, immediately drawing the audience’s attention with his thirst for violence.

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“Talk of peace? I hate the word, as I hate hell, all Montagues.”

The audience instantly become aware that the feud will be kept alive with his attitude. Tybalt being a very unreasonable and a stubborn character always depends on physical skills and strength to get him out of certain situations. He is extremely bitter and deeply shows disrespect to the Montagues, he insults the servants of both families, by referring to them as “heartless hinds.” Another major character to enter the scene is Benvolio, he is a crucial character, as he is usually available to explain situations ...

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