This essay compares two conflicts in Romeo and Juliet, the Conflict between the Families and the conflict between Youth and Age, and which one is more important.

Essay by xxnosoul69xxJunior High, 9th grade March 2003

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Romeo and Juliet, a tragic play written by one of the most famous English writers, Shakespeare, in 1601, is one filled with many conflicts, even starting from the story's background. "From ancient grudge break to new mutiny" (Act I, Sc. 1). Conflicts, more often than not, end in tragedies. Romeo and Juliet having many conflicts, has also ended in a terrible tragedy, the death of the lovers. "... a pair of star-crossed lovers take their life..." (Act. I, Sc. I). Even before the play has begun, the prologue expresses one of the conflicts, between the two head families of Verona, the Capulets and Montagues. "Two households, both alike in dignity, in fair Verona (...) where civil blood makes civil hands unclean..." (Act I, Sc. I). Other conflicts which arise throughout the play include: status and love, peace and war, love and hate, amongst others. The two conflicts which seem to be prominent are the conflict between the families, and the conflict between youth and age.

Although the discord between the families is more evident in the play, the tension between youth and age exists. However, the conflict between the families seems have more importance in the play. As the two conflicts, between the families, and between youth and age, become visible, and their results are more apparent, the greater importance of the variance between the families will be distinguished.

The most perceptible of conflicts is the one between the families. This hatred of the families, can be seen since the very beginning of the play. The prince is enraged at the disturbance of peace which was caused because of the families' enmity. "Throw your distempered weapons to the ground, and hear the sentence of your movèd prince" (Act. I Sc. I). The Capulets and Montagues dislike each other...