International Perspectives On Romeo & Juliet

International Perspectives on Human Conflict and Violence

Shakespeare and the general population of the Earth have an unenthusiastic yet anticipating view of human conflict and violence. This can be discerned from the classic Shakespeare play, Romeo & Juliet. For the purpose of study, Shakespeare’s view of conflict and violence represents the general consensus of old England. The modern world views Romeo & Juliet as a tragedy, therefore allowing one to believe that the beliefs which Shakespeare inserted into the play are the beliefs of the majority of the world. There are many indications of Shakespeare’s beliefs within Romeo & Juliet. By examining the text of the play, one will agree that Shakespeare highly disregarded conflict and violence but knew it was inevitable. The fight in the first scene of the play represents a significant introduction to the two families’ mutual hate. Sampson states that “a dog of the house of Montague moves me” (R&J 1.1.8), expressing his hate toward the Montagues. Romeo & Juliet is built upon a base of hatred, as can be seen from Sampson’s statement. Shakespeare was obviously aware of the fact that hatred is unavoidable in human nature. One might even conclude that he placed the hatred at the forefront of the play because of its great presence in society. In lines 1.1.65-73, a swordfight takes place between servants of the Capulets and Tybalt of the Montagues. This represents Shakespeare’s knowledge that violence is inescapable.

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Although Shakespeare was aware that conflict and violence are inevitable, he disapproved of both. This can be discerned from the prince’s speech in 1.1.83-105. The Prince referred to both the Capulets and Montagues as “enemies to peace” (R&J 1.1.83) and “you men, you beasts that quench the fire of your pernicious rage” (R&J 1.1.85-86). The prince continuedto state that the men “have thrice disturbed the quiet of our streets” (R&J 1.1.93). Clearly, neither the prince nor Shakespeare approvedof violence. Romeo, Juliet, and Friar Lawrence, all considered to be “good people” in Romeo & Juliet, disapprove of conflict and violence as well. In the balcony scene, Romeo says, “my name, dear saint, is hateful to myself because it is an enemy to thee. Had I it written, I would tear the word” (R&J 2.2.60-62). Obviously, since Romeo would change his name for Juliet, he disliked the war between the Capulets and Montagues. After learning that Romeo was from the Montague house, Juliet exclaimed that “my only love sprung from my only hate!” (R&J 1.1.152). She was obviously in love with Romeo, and was heartbroken to learn that Romeo was unattainable because of the two houses’ ancient grudge. Therefore, Juliet disliked conflict. When Romeo requested for Friar Lawrence to wed Romeo and Juliet, Friar Lawrence readily agreed with the hopeful statement of “for this alliance may so happy prove to turn your households’ rancor to pure love” (R&J 2.3.98-99). Friar Lawrence hoped to end the feud because he condemned the hatred between the two

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houses. All of these characters’ words are the work of Shakespeare. Consequently, Shakespeare disapproved of conflict and violence. Another opinion comes from a man of neither of the two houses; he is the prince’s kinsman and Romeo’s friend. Mercutio fought alongside Romeo and Benvolio during the fight in Act 3, Scene 1 of Romeo & Juliet. After being tragically stabbed by Tybalt, Mercutio angrily yelled “a plague o’er both houses! I am sped” (R&J 3.1.94). He was fatally injured by a man of the house of Capulet, and had decided that the war between the houses was completely and utterly pointless. In one statement, Mercutio delivered an extremely strong message about the conflict between the houses: the feud should stop, or else innocent lives will be taken over insignificant matters. He strongly disapproved of violence. As can be determined from the previous argument, Shakespeare, and consequently old England, believed thatconflict and violence were both undesirable and inevitable. Shakespeare highly disapproved of violence and condemned it to the fullest extent. However, he knew that it and conflict were unavoidable, so he had to include them in Romeo & Juliet. One might even say that Shakespeare based the play on hatred because he wanted to inform the world of its evil consequences. This disapproval of conflict and violence can be translated to the modern world. One can assume that today’s population condemns conflict and violence because of the fact that the world views Romeo & Julietas a tragedy. The sole reason for this is that two lovers committed suicide 3 | Page

because love was not attainable due to conflict. Therefore, the world believes that conflict and violence should neither interfere with love nor even exist. In conclusion, one can see from the above argument that conflict and violence are highly disregarded in both modern and old times. Through the examination of Shakespeare’s play Romeo & Juliet, this statement has been justified. Shakespeare and the world, in general, disapprove of violence. However, they are aware of the fact that due to human nature, violence and conflict are inevitable. I, for one, believe that beliefs “are leading us, inexorably, tokill one another” (Harris 12). If people continue to base their actions on their beliefs, the population of the Earth will eventually wipe itself out. This is essentially what happened in Romeo & Juliet; the two lovers killed themselves because of the hatred between the two houses. I hope that the world comes to its senses about conflict and violence and finally ends all the unnecessary death in the world.

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Works Cited Harris, Sam. The End of Faith. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2004. Shakespeare, William. Romeo & Juliet. New York: Pocket Books, 1992.

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