Violence and Conflict in Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Violence and Conflict in Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

‘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, wher...

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...gery to make the conflict into a major part of the play,

which turns it from being a romance, into a tragedy and leads to the

inevitable result of the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. Romance is found

at the heart as well due to “Romeo and Juliet’s” love for each other;

breaking all traditions and discreetly having a hidden relationship

behind their families’ backs. Both topics go perfectly together

creating an exciting and entreating play. The audiences’ attention is

attracted as using two families being rebellious against each other

provide a good base for two lovers to be getting entangled between.

The play also reflects Elizabethan society but this does not reduce

its appeal because it is to some extent still occurring in some

cultures around the world today. This gives this play an eternal

appeal that will not die out.