How Does Shakespeare Present Conflict In Romeo And Juliet

How does Shakespeare present conflict in the play ‘Romeo and Juliet’?
The tragic play Romeo and Juliet, written by William Shakespeare, exemplifies how young love can embrace the feelings of destruction, affecting the couples' lives and the people around them. Romeo and Juliet’s catastrophic choices intertwined with linguistic and structural techniques emphasises societal roles of gender and class.
Shakespeare introduces the audience to the play through a prologue that intensifies the audience’s emotions with its spoilers. For example, the playwright states, "Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean". The ‘blood’ of citizens physically stains the hands of the characters through death and murder. The juxtaposition of ‘civil blood’ also contradicts

Sampson and Gregory — two servants of the house of Capulet, constantly insult the Montagues, as seen when Sampson bites his thumb at the Montague servants, "which is a disgrace to them". This gesture is highly insulting and can be interpreted as an invitation to violence. Shakespeare reveals that the feud between the Capulets and Montagues has escalated to their servants. This argument between the servants sets the play's violent mood and shows the audience how ridiculous the feud between the families is. A verbal confrontation quickly escalates into a fight. "Nay, as they dare. I will bite my thumb at them, which is a disgrace to them if they bear it." This quotation proves that the servants did want to fight; the fact that they were in the streets armed shows that they wanted to have a battle on behalf of the families. The term "Nay, as they dare." showcases the false bravado of the servants, as Samson quickly stops himself when he realises it might incite a fight. In addition, it also proves to us how loyal the servants are and how this ongoing family feud between them is not just a family issue, as other people have gotten involved too. The scene shows us the senseless violence that results from rivalry, disagreement, and family honour. The servants in this scene exist to help set the mood and pave the way for the senseless

This is illustrated in Act 4, Scene 1, where Juliet takes control of her destiny by devising a plan to feign her own death to escape her arranged marriage to Paris. This plan involves taking a dangerous potion, and she displays remarkable courage and determination in carrying it out. "Give me, give me! O, tell not me of fear!" is a line spoken by Juliet as she prepares to drink the potion given to her by Friar Lawrence. This line reveals Juliet's desperation and determination to take charge of her fate, regardless of the hazards involved. The exclamation "Give me, give me!" indicates Juliet's urgency and impatience, suggesting that she is willing to do whatever it takes to be with Romeo. Therefore, this line highlights Juliet's resolute character and her readiness to take risks to achieve her desires. It also underscores the intense emotions and passion that drive her actions throughout the play. Moreover, Juliet's decision to seek out Friar Lawrence shows her assertive and motivated character. Rather than waiting for someone else to solve her problems or relying on others to make decisions for her, Juliet takes matters into her own hands and seeks the help of the friar. In Act 4, Scene 1, Juliet faces the challenge of finding a way to escape her arranged marriage to Paris, and she turns to Friar Lawrence for assistance.