Discuss the way Shakespeare Explores the Theme of Conflict, Both Within and Between Families, in Romeo and Juliet. Jelena Kulesko Romeo and Juliet is a famous play that shows how humans can let their pride hold onto conflict with other’s and affect their lives and future generations. Shakespeare explores the conflict, within and between the families, by using dramatic devices to point out the conflicts; this is done by exposing fatal flaws or specific character traits that causes conflict. To start, Shakespeare uses family relationships to show how conflict can break them. Juliet and the Nurses relationship is first shown as mother-daughter like and throughout the play and their interactions consist of friendly conversations. However, this later progresses to insults after Juliet curses the Nurse; Shakespeare then introduces a character foil to separate them. Because of this separation Juliet becomes isolated from the rest of her family, because the Nurse, who was the closest person to her, betrayed Juliet she is left alone in a house with people who don’t act like her family. Therefore, Shakespeare shows how the broken relationship between the Nurse and Juliet creates conflict throughout …show more content…
Shakespeare uses Mercutio as a character foil to Romeo and because of their differences they create a well-balanced, and loyal, friendship. However, because of this they also have different opinions, which ultimately sets them up for conflict. Shakespeare uses Romeo’s refusal to Tybalt’s challenge as a breaking point in their friendship as he makes their personalities, and opinions, clash. Shakespeare uses this to explore the idea of conflict by showing that they are so different they cannot escape conflict, and it tested their friendship until it broke. Consequently, Shakespeare explores conflict within the Montagues through the loss of friendship between Romeo and