Coflict in Romeo and Juliet

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How does Shakespeare present the theme of conflict in Romeo and Juliet? Throughout the play “Romeo and Juliet" one main theme is conflict. Conflict is present from the beginning of the play; a prologue is performed, before scene one, this was to imply the general idea of the play, because in Elizabethan times it was very hard to concentrate during the play. In the prologue death, conflict and bitterness are all mentioned. Romeo and Juliet who are both mentioned in the prologue are presented as “star crossed lovers”, “fearful” and “misadventured”. This shows that both characters, to be innocent to the story’s conflict; simply victims. However, they are also presented as unintelligent, following their hearts rather than their heads, which could lead to bigger problems later. After the prologue, the play opens up on a fairly casual setting: A general public place; this is to show the audience that all major conflicts do not have to be started through a battle, or something on a similar scale. The conflict was not really serious in the beginning as it shows the opening of the play to be set in a fairly normal place. Sampson, a servant of the Capulet starts the conflict in the beginning of the play; act one scene one. He is very full of himself. When Montague Abram approaches, Sampson bites his tongue at him; this is the key action of which the opening of conflict takes place. When Abram asks Sampson if he bit his tongue at him, he says “No sir, i did not bite my tongue at you but I did bite my tongue, sir.” This is shown in a manner, which is suggesting the obvious that it’s a lie, which is provoking Abram to start conflict. Before long, the fight between the two is started. This is when we meet Tybalt and Benvolio, two contrasting characters. Benvolio tries to separate the fight between Abram and Sampson. He says “Part fools! Put up your swords, you know not what
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