Theme of Conflict in Romeo and Juliet Essay Example

William Shakespeare wrote the play Romeo and Juliet between 1591 and 1595. It presents a multitude of distinct themes, however the focus of this essay will be on the theme of conflict. Shakespeare examines conflict both internally and externally, portraying it as something that can lead to disaster. It is worth noting that the play is set in the Italian Renaissance period, and the audience was from the Elizabethan era at the time. This allows us to infer the characters' and audience's culture, religion, and perceptions at the time, which is important because it provides context and thus a deeper understanding of the play.

The play occurs in Italy, particularly in "fair Verona," where "ancient grudge break to new mutiny." This antithesis is mentioned in the prologue of Act 1 Scene 1, introducing the concept of conflict instantly. Conflict is deduced from the noun "grudge," which defines as a persistent resentment, and this is further emphasised by the adjective "ancient," which establishes that this antipathy is old. However, it is increasingly dangerous, as it still "breaks to new mutiny." Moreover, the reason for this feud is not mentioned in this prologue or throughout the play, implying that this conflict is futile and only exists for the sake of honour, so it appears that the two families are only fighting to uphold their reputations. This is demonstrated in many scenes, but to name one, Act 3 Scene 1 depicts conflict as a result of pride. In summary, Tybalt challenges Romeo to a duel, which Romeo declines because he is now associated with Tybalt through his marriage with Juliet. Mercutio is disgusted by Romeo's refusal and fights on his behalf to protect Romeo's honour and masculinity, inferred through the phrase: “O calm, dishonourable, vile submission!” Reputation, honour, nobility: all mean the same thing, and in the Elizabethan era, it was very important to maintain for it was a representation of who you are. There was a strong belief that the slightest wrong or insults must be avenged as a matter of personal pride or to protect reputation.

Verona is represented as a place "where civil blood makes civil hands unclean." This is a synecdoche that conveys the extent of the Capulets' and Montagues' hostility, with the repetition of the adjective "civil" referring to the citizens of Verona. That sentence depicts bloodshed among ordinary Veronese people by virtue of the disagreement between the two families, exhibiting how conflict from pride leads to societal war. In this case, societal conflict falls under the category of external conflict. Nonetheless, the people of Verona fight because of arrogance for the name Capulet/Montague; pride is an emotion, displaying the idea that emotion can cause conflict and that confrontational behaviour is contagious. Furthermore, this phrase shows the influence of the Capulets' and Montagues' disharmony. Citizens should treat each other amicably and with respect, but the feud is so ostensibly important that it overshadows the importance of real human lives, rendering conflict as a source of death. Act 1 Scene 1 is a scene in which servants Sampson and Gregory of the house Capulet discuss their feelings of rage caused by the Montagues. They then come across Montague servants Abraham and Balthasar, which leads to a brawl—an excellent illustration of the idea that "civil blood makes civil hands unclean."