Hateful Rivalry In Romeo And Juliet

Elizabeth Galvan

Ms. Newkirk

Adv. English I / Period 2

08 March 2023

Pain Caused by the Simplest Actions

Rivalry is an experience every person will have at least once during their lifetime. Some people may not realize their involvement, and some may be extreme and full of hate. The tragedy Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare is about hateful rivalry and reveals that its only outcome will cause people pain through the meaning of a person’s last words, attempted peace, and unnecessary death.

One of the many, more extreme, painful results of a hateful rivalry is unnecessary death. As Prince Escalus reveals to both families that their only heirs had died, he says “see what a scourge is laid upon your hate, that heaven finds means to kill your

When a fight breaks out in the streets because of the two households’ servants, the Prince states “if you ever disturb our streets again, your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace”(1.1.89-90). The Prince gave them a threatening warning with hopes of it being the only way the families could live in peace. The Montagues’ and Capulets’ hatred towards each other was so strong, the only way to settle them would be the cost of their lives. The brawl in the streets was caused by Benvolio trying to break up a quarrel, then Tybalt getting involved only to start an argument with Benvolio. Tybalt is a Capulet and Benvolio is a Montague, so when Benvolio spoke of peace, Tybalt replied with “I hate the word, as I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee”(1.1.63-64). Tybalt proceeds to provoke Benvolio after expressing his hatred, resulting in the fight. Tybalt was willing to fight Benvolio without hesitation simply because he was a member of the rival

When Tybalt crosses paths with Mercutio, The Prince’s relative, he fights and slays him for being friends with Romeo who is a member of the rival family. Mercutio’s final agonized words were “a plague o’ both your houses”(3.1.88). Mercutio cursed both families for their feud resulting in his slaughter. Mercutio’s last words could have been seen as full of hate to the people that were present around him, but could have also been seen as foreshadowing or a premonition to the audience who knew the fate of the households. Paris and Romeo were also rivals, not because their households were enemies, but because they both loved Juliet. Their love conflict causes them to fight which results in Paris’ loss. Paris’ final words were “oh I am slain! If thou be merciful, open the tomb”(5.3.72-73). Paris appeared arrogant but said his last words with desperation to Romeo, who had slain