Romeo And Juliet Key Theme Conflict edexcel 1-Shakespeare

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Conflict timeline

The theme of conflict in each act of Romeo and Juliet:

What are the elements of conflict in Romeo and Juliet?

The elements of conflict in the play include:

The feud between the Montagues and Capulets: The Chorus introduces the central theme of conflict to the audience: “Two households, both alike in dignity… from ancient grudge”:
- At the end of the play, both families agree to put an end to the feud and Capulet offers his hand to Montague
Tybalt’s aggression: Juliet’s cousin is presented as ruthless and vengeful, especially when he learns of Romeo’s presence at the Capulet ball:
- “I will withdraw, but this intrusion shall, / Now seeming sweet, convert to bitt’rest gall”
The deaths of Mercutio and Tybalt: Tybalt’s killing of Mercutio acts as a catalyst for Romeo’s anger; he turns from peace because of Tybalt’s actions:
- Mercutio’s final line in the play lays the blame for his death on the conflict between the families: “A plague o’ both your houses!”
The deaths of Paris, Romeo and Juliet: Their deaths are a direct consequence of the conflict between the families

The impact of conflict on characters

The theme of conflict and violence is prevalent throughout the play and has an impact on all of the characters, founded on the long-running feud between the Capulets and the Montagues.

Diagram depicting conflict in "Romeo and Juliet" with descriptions of characters' roles: Montague/Capulet servants, Juliet, Romeo, Tybalt, Capulet, Prince, Benvolio. — **Conflict in Romeo and Juliet**

Character	Impact
Montague and Capulet servants	The opening scene is an angry, violent confrontation between the servants of the two households, clearly establishing the tone for the rest of the play.
Prince Escalus	Prince Escalus is enraged by the violation of the civic order as a result of the feud between the families; he banishes Romeo after his fight with Tybalt.
Benvolio	Benvolio is depicted as a peacemaker as he tries to prevent the violent conflict between the characters.
Tybalt	Tybalt declares he “hates the word” peace and detests the actions which bring about peace between the two families.
Romeo	Despite the Prince imposing the death penalty on anyone caught fighting, Romeo is prepared to risk his own life to avenge Mercutio’s death: Romeo is also responsible for the death of Paris
Juliet	Juliet’s inner conflict is shown when she discovers Romeo’s true identity: “That I must love a loathed enemy”: Her conflict is also evident when Romeo kills her cousin Tybalt
Lord Capulet	Juliet’s refusal to marry Paris results in conflict between Juliet and her father: He threatens to disown her: “Hang thee, young baggage, disobedient wretch!”

Why does Shakespeare use the theme of conflict in his play?

1. Setting and atmosphere

Establishes violence as a backdrop to the play from the very beginning
Creates tension and hostility and highlights the danger surrounding Romeo and Juliet’s love

2. Plot driver

Drives the tragic sequence of events as the feud between the Montagues and Capulets escalates, leading to tragic consequences

3. Audience appeal

Shakespeare’s audience would have associated Italy with violence and conflict and a place where family honour often led to acts of revenge
Reflects the fear of civil disobedience and warring families which were seen as a serious threat to the stability of society during the late Elizabethan era

4. Dramatic device

Heightens dramatic tension as violence erupts as a natural and inevitable consequence of the ongoing conflict

Exam-style questions on the theme of conflict

Try planning a response to the following essay questions as part of your revision of the theme of fate:

Explore the significance of conflict in Romeo and Juliet. (You could start with Act 1 and the ancient feud between the Capulets and the Montagues.)
How does Shakespeare present the impact of conflict on relationships in the play? (You could start with Act 1, Scene 5.)

Sources

Stanley Wells and Gary Taylor (eds), 2005, The Oxford Shakespeare: The Complete Works (Second Edition), Oxford University Press

English Literature GCSE EDEXCEL