Conflict

Question 1

What does the servants implication in the feud reveal about it?

Answer 1

“Do you bite your thumb at us sir?

• The fact that the servants are involved in the feud shows how violence has infiltrated all aspects of society
• use of “sir” creates a sarcastic tone which suggests that the servants are mocking each other and are looking for one of them to start the fight so that the law will be behind them.

Question 2

What does Tybalt think of peace?

Answer 2

“Talk of peace! I hate the word”

-Shows the toxic masculinity in Verona as to make peace reveals feminine characteristics therefore the only way to prove a point is through violence and libidinal competition

Question 3

What is Capulets response to the fight in act 1?

Answer 3

“Give me my long sword , Ho!”

• “give” shows the lack of regard for his wife, and that his first instinct is to revert to libidinal competition to prove his male bravado

Question 4

How does Montague address Capulet?

Answer 4

“Thou villain Capulet”

-Montague says this suggesting that he is the hero, failing to recognise that both households are both “alike in dignity” and are therefore equally responsible for the feud.

Question 5

What does the Prince think of the feud?

Answer 5

“Three civil brawls, bred of an airy word.”

• “three” emphasises the hatred between the two households
• “airy” suggests that the feud lacks substance hence “from an ancient grudge” and is futile

Question 6

How does Tybalt mimic Capulet to show the extent of violence in Varona?

Answer 6

“fetch me my rapier boy”

Tybalt mimics Capulets tone from earlier on, showing how the violence has infiltrated every aspect of society, and how the hatred of one another is carried on between generations

Question 7

How does the Prince respond to Mercutios death?

Answer 7

“My blood for your rude brawls doth lie a bleeding”

-Use of the adjective “rude” suggests that the fights were nothing more than a disturbance to Verona, however now that the prince has lost a relative it has become a lot more serious as the feud is implicating all members of society.

Question 8

What quote shows the end of the feud?

Answer 8

“o, brother Montague, give me thy hand”

-“Brother” emphasises the newly formed familial bond, however the use of the inarticulate sound “o” emphasises the fact that a tragedy had to occur in order to unite these two households