Romeo & Juliet: Explore the ways in which Shakespeare presents and uses the idea of conflict in Romeo & Juliet
Romeo & Juliet: Explore the ways in which Shakespeare presents and uses the idea of conflict in Romeo & Juliet
William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, portrays conflict in many different ways. This essay will aim to discover the techniques that have been used to show conflict and will analyse the wordplay of the characters. Additionally, the way conflicts affect the characters’ behaviour and reactions to each other, along with the different types of language the characters use, will be examined with reference to the Elizabethan society.
A spirited exchange of vulgar jokes between the Capulet servants begins Act, Scene 1 after the prologue and immediately links sex with conflict. In their bawdy quarrel, the servants' references to ‘tool’ and ‘naked weapon,’ together with repeated images of striking and thrusting, illustrate how images of love and sex are intertwined with violence and death — and will continue to be throughout the play. The sudden switch from the comedic interplay between the servants to a potentially life-threatening situation demonstrates the rapidly changing pace that drives the action of the rest of the play. For instance, Benvolio, whose name means ‘goodwill,’ tries to act as a peacemaker by dividing the servants, but the quick-tempered Tybalt forces him to draw his sword, and the atmosphere changes from harmony to hatred within a few lines.
Romeo blames himself for Mercutio's death because he placed his love for Juliet before consideration of his friend; hence Romeo attacks Tybalt to assuage his guilt. However, by doing so, he disregards any effect that his choice may have on Juliet. His action is impulsive and reckless. Romeo's rage overpowers his sensibility, and his fortunes are sealed. By attacking Tybalt in a blind fury, he has become one with fiery Tybalt; one with quick-tempered Mercutio, and one with the embittered patriarchs, from where the feud first began. Tybalt's death brings Romeo a moment of clarity as he realises that he is
William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, portrays conflict in many different ways. This essay will aim to discover the techniques that have been used to show conflict and will analyse the wordplay of the characters. Additionally, the way conflicts affect the characters’ behaviour and reactions to each other, along with the different types of language the characters use, will be examined with reference to the Elizabethan society.
A spirited exchange of vulgar jokes between the Capulet servants begins Act, Scene 1 after the prologue and immediately links sex with conflict. In their bawdy quarrel, the servants' references to ‘tool’ and ‘naked weapon,’ together with repeated images of striking and thrusting, illustrate how images of love and sex are intertwined with violence and death — and will continue to be throughout the play. The sudden switch from the comedic interplay between the servants to a potentially life-threatening situation demonstrates the rapidly changing pace that drives the action of the rest of the play. For instance, Benvolio, whose name means ‘goodwill,’ tries to act as a peacemaker by dividing the servants, but the quick-tempered Tybalt forces him to draw his sword, and the atmosphere changes from harmony to hatred within a few lines.
Romeo blames himself for Mercutio's death because he placed his love for Juliet before consideration of his friend; hence Romeo attacks Tybalt to assuage his guilt. However, by doing so, he disregards any effect that his choice may have on Juliet. His action is impulsive and reckless. Romeo's rage overpowers his sensibility, and his fortunes are sealed. By attacking Tybalt in a blind fury, he has become one with fiery Tybalt; one with quick-tempered Mercutio, and one with the embittered patriarchs, from where the feud first began. Tybalt's death brings Romeo a moment of clarity as he realises that he is