How Shakespeare Introduces the Theme of Conflict in Romeo and Juliet

How Shakespeare Introduces the Theme of Conflict in Romeo and Juliet

‘Romeo and Juliet’ is a play written by Shakespeare in the early part

of the 1590’s and was first published in 1597 by Thomas Creede. Romeo

is a confused young man who is in Love with the idea of Love. Whilst

Juliet is a respectful, protected, naïve child who has never really

thought about love and marriage, but later on in the play she changes

and in a way matures when she meets and falls in love with Romeo. The

play is a twisted tragedy, showing physical and emotional conflict

between and around the two lovers: Romeo and Juliet.

The aim of my essay is to explain the theme of conflict and violence,

which is shown strongly in act 1 scene 1. I will comment on

Shakespeare’s use of language and how he demonstrates it in a dramatic

effect, the plays appeal to the audience, the historical context and

my own personal feedback on the play.

Like many Shakespearian plays ‘Romeo and Juliet’ begins with a

prologue. The prologue was used to settle rowdy crowds, set the scene

and introduce the play to the audience. in addition Shakespeare uses

Iambic Pentameter: this is where each line has a series of stressed

and unstressed syllables making an alternate pattern: he used this so

the phrases were easier to learn for his actors.

Additionally it introduced key themes of the play to the audience and

in effect provides a brief summery of the play. Some of the key themes

introduced in the prologue included: conflict and violence, it is put

into context using different quotes like ‘From ancient grudge break to

new mutiny.’ This quote basically means an old rivalry between two

families is turning out to be a gory clash of pride. We also know the

families are quite high in distinction and probably have links with

royalty; ‘Two households, both alike in dignity’, therefore it adds to

the rivalry.

Because ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is a tragedy, evidently the violence is a