Romeo & Juliet Key Theme: Conflict (Edexcel IGCSE English Literature)

Romeo and Juliet: Key Theme: Conflict: Mind map

Spec point — IGCSE_ENGLISH_LITERATURE:C2T06

Conflict timeline

The theme of conflict in each act of Romeo and Juliet:

Romeo and Juliet conflict timeline

Romeo and Juliet: Key Theme: Conflict: What are the elements of conflict in Romeo and Juliet?

Spec point — IGCSE_ENGLISH_LITERATURE:C2T06

What are the elements of conflict in Romeo and Juliet?

The elements of conflict in the play include:

• The feud between the Montagues and Capulets: The Chorus introduces the central theme of conflict to the audience: “Two households, both alike in dignity… from ancient grudge”:

  • At the end of the play, both families agree to put an end to the feud and Capulet offers his hand to Montague

• Tybalt’s aggression: Juliet’s cousin is presented as ruthless and vengeful, especially when he learns of Romeo’s presence at the Capulet ball:

  • “I will withdraw, but this intrusion shall, / Now seeming sweet, convert to bitt'rest gall”

• The deaths of Mercutio and Tybalt: Tybalt’s killing of Mercutio acts as a catalyst for Romeo’s anger; he turns from peace because of Tybalt’s actions:

  • Mercutio’s final line in the play lays the blame for his death on the conflict between the families: “A plague o’ both your houses!”

• The deaths of Paris, Romeo and Juliet: Their deaths are a direct consequence of the conflict between the families

Exam Hint Examiners warn against answers that list where fighting happens. It is better to show how the feud affects people who never chose it.

For example, you could write: “Mercutio dies cursing ‘both your houses’, which shows the feud killing someone who belonged to neither family”. Choosing a moment that complicates a theme is stronger than choosing the most obvious one.

Romeo and Juliet: Key Theme: Conflict: The impact of conflict on characters

Spec point — IGCSE_ENGLISH_LITERATURE:C2T06

The impact of conflict on characters

The theme of conflict and violence is prevalent throughout the play and has an impact on all of the characters, founded on the long-running feud between the Capulets and the Montagues.

Conflict in Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet: Key Theme: Conflict: Why does Shakespeare use the theme of conflict in his play?

Spec point — IGCSE_ENGLISH_LITERATURE:C2T06

Why does Shakespeare use the theme of conflict in his play?

1. Setting and atmosphere

• Establishes violence as a backdrop to the play from the very beginning
• Creates tension and hostility and highlights the danger surrounding Romeo and Juliet’s love

2. Plot driver

• Drives the tragic sequence of events as the feud between the Montagues and Capulets escalates, leading to tragic consequences

3. Audience appeal

• Shakespeare’s audience would have associated Italy with violence and conflict and a place where family honour often led to acts of revenge
• Reflects the fear of civil disobedience and warring families which were seen as a serious threat to the stability of society during the late Elizabethan era

4. Dramatic device

• Heightens dramatic tension as violence erupts as a natural and inevitable consequence of the ongoing conflict

Romeo and Juliet: Key Theme: Conflict: Exam-style questions on the theme of conflict

Spec point — IGCSE_ENGLISH_LITERATURE:C2T06

Exam-style questions on the theme of conflict

Try planning a response to the following essay questions as part of your revision of the theme of fate:

• Explore the significance of conflict in Romeo and Juliet. (You could start with Act 1 and the ancient feud between the Capulets and the Montagues.)
• How does Shakespeare present the impact of conflict on relationships in the play? (You could start with Act 1, Scene 5.)

Sources

Stanley Wells and Gary Taylor (eds), 2005, The Oxford Shakespeare: The Complete Works (Second Edition), Oxford University Press