Romeo & Juliet Key Theme: Conflict (Edexcel GCSE English Literature)
Revision Note
Written by: Nick Redgrove
Reviewed by: Kate Lee
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.
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:
|
Juliet | Juliet’s inner conflict is shown when she discovers Romeo’s true identity: “That I must love a loathèd enemy”:
|
Lord Capulet | Juliet’s refusal to marry Paris results in conflict between Juliet and her father:
|
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.)
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