Essay Sample on Theme of Conflict in "Romeo and Juliet"

Conflict is when two or more people have a disagreement or argument and is present in today's world. Conflict between people can be as simple as disagreeing with what’s for dinner, or as big as having an argument because of a misunderstanding. In the play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, conflict between characters happens often. The big conflict between the two families is the cause of other smaller conflicts throughout the play. In the play, Juliet, Romeo and Tybalt encounter conflict between each other and other characters.

Throughout the book, Juliet encounters conflict between herself and other characters. 

An example of conflict with other characters is when Juliet encounters it when she talks to her mother, Lady Capulet. When Juliet’s mother tells Juliet that she is going to marry Paris, she says, “Shall happily make thee there a joyful bride. Now by Saint Peter’s Church and Peter too, he shall not make me there a joyful bride” (3.5.120-122). This shows that Juliet encounters conflict with other characters. When Juliet’s mother tells her that she will be marrying Paris and she says that she doesn’t want to, this is important because it is going against what her mother wants which causes conflict between her mother, father, and herself. Another example of character vs. character conflict between Juliet and another character is when Juliet talks to her father. When Juliet pleads to her father that she doesn’t want to marry Paris he says, “Good father, I beseech you on my knees, hear me with patience but to speak a word. Hang thee, young baggage, disobedient wretch” (3.5.164-166). This shows that Juliet has experienced conflict with another character. When her father calls her a “disobedient wretch”, this is showing how her father disapproves of Juliet’s decision of not marrying Paris which is causing conflict between Juliet and her father. Just like how Juliet has conflict between other characters, Tybalt also has conflict with other characters.

Tybalt also has partaken in conflict throughout the play. In Act 1, when a fight breaks out between the Montegues and the Capulets, Tybalt says, “What, drawn and talk of peace? I hate the word As I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee” (1.171-72). Tybalt tries to start a fight with Benvolio. This shows conflict between two or more characters. When Tybalt runs into Romeo and Mercutio, Tybalt says, “Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries That thou hast done me. Therefore turn and draw” (3.1.66-67). This shows conflict between two or more people. Tybalt tries to start a fight with Mercutio and Romeo and this shows conflict between two or more characters. 

Throughout the play, characters like Juliet, Romeo and Tybalt play a part in conflict with other characters. In the end, all three characters do not resolve their conflict. Because their conflicts were not resolved, it led to many deaths and tragedies during the play.