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Romeo & Juliet (Themes) (Characters (Romeo (Impulsive – he falls…
Romeo & Juliet (Themes)
Conflict
The two warring families
This shows that Capulet wishes Montague to forgive him for their previous arguments. Capulet's address of Montague as "brother" illustrates how he wants their relationship to move forward; they are like brothers due to their deceased children's marriage.
Shakespeare opens his play with the first line, illustrating the "ancient" grudge that has been happening in Verona. Shakespeare does this to show that the conflict has been ongoing and isn't likely to stop. He describes it as "ancient"' to illustrate how ingrained the conflict is with the families - it is a part of their daily lives.
"Two households, both alike in dignity, in fair Verona, where we lay our scene, from ancient grudge break to new mutiny, where civil blood makes civil hands unclean."
Juliet's inner conflict
When Juliet discovers the true identity of her true love, she is shocked and cannot believe she loves someone who she is supposed to hate.
Juliet uses 'must' which indicates that she has no other choice - she loves Romeo and cannot change the fact. This presents a conflict for Juliet, as she cannot change what she feels - despite knowing that she should.
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Family
Similar
"Two households, both alike in dignity."
This shows that the two families are similar. The use of the word "dignity" highlights how the families have similar principles and status in the city of Verona.
Shakespeare presents the similarities between the two families in the prologue, as he highlights to the audience how they are similar.
Warring
In the opening scene, Shakespeare presents the families' servants fighting against each other, for their house's honour. The families themselves quickly get involved and it turns into a fight against each other.
This shows the Prince's anger as Capulet and Montague have been involved in another fray on the streets of Verona, upsetting the peace. The families have "thrice disturbed the quiet of our streets" illustrating how the conflict is continuous and despite the Prince's warnings, they still continue to battle against each other.
"By thee old Capulet, and Montague, have thrice disturbed the quiet of our streets."
Apologetic and repentin
When the families discover Romeo and Juliet have committed suicide, they apologise for their behaviour and vow to uphold their memory in their hearts.
"O brother Montague, give me thy hand."
This shows that Capulet wishes Montague to forgive him for their previous arguments. Capulet's address of Montague as "brother" illustrates how he wants their relationship to move forward; they are like brothers due to their deceased children's marriage.
Characters
Romeo
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Devoted friend – when Mercutio is killed by Tybalt, Romeo is so enraged that he kills him too.
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The Nurse
Trustworthy – the Nurse is Juliet’s companion and confidante. She has brought Juliet up from birth and wants the best for her. She keeps the meetings between Juliet and Romeo a secret.
Playful – when the Nurse brings news from Romeo to Juliet about their marriage arrangements, she teases Juliet by taking time to tell her his answer.
Caring – the Nurse puts Juliet’s wishes first and takes big risks by arranging secret meetings and a marriage for Romeo and Juliet.
Friar Lawrence
Trustworthy – both Romeo and Juliet confide in Friar Lawrence. He is a neutral character who hopes that by marrying the young lovers, the two feuding families will come to peace.
Wise – the Friar challenges Romeo when he switches the focus of his affections from Rosaline to Juliet. He also has faith in the young people.
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Juliet
Obedient – even though she has not thought of love or marriage before now, Juliet agrees to look at Paris at the party.
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Courageous – she disobeys her parents and arranges to marry Romeo in secret. She later kills herself for love.
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