conflict and feud Flashcards
Conflict quote 1
Act 1 ‘From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civils hands clean” – prologue
The use of the adjective ‘ancient” suggest that this conflict is not new and that something from these family’s background comes to the forefront. Furthermore, the repetition of “civil” suggest that innocent people are dragged into this conflict showing this conflict as all- encompassing.
Conflict quote 2
Act 2 Mercutio (Tybalt) “more than Prince of cats.O,he’s the courageous captain of compliments”
Mercutio’s mocking description of Tybalt as “more than Prince of Cats” and “the courageous captain of compliments” ridicules Tybalt’s stylised fighting and reveals Mercutio’s aggressive, confrontational nature. His sarcasm exposes a desire to provoke conflict, showing how Mercutio views violence as a source of humour and entertainment, fuelling the tension that ultimately leads to tragedy
Conflict quote 4
“I beseech thee, youth, Put another sin upon my head” This is demonstrative of Romeo’s awareness of murder as a sin and did not want to kill Tybalt but felt the need to in order to protect his honour demonstrating the destructive and powerful force of hatred/violence.
“sin”- show’s Romeo strong understanding of Christian beliefs and in turn understands the consequences could demonstrate his strong connection with the Friar.
Conflict quote 3
Act 3
“A plague a’both your houses! Zounds, a dog, a rat, a mouse,a cat, to scratch a man to death! – Mercutio Act 3 scene 1
Mercutio’s cry “A plague a’both your houses!” reveals his anger and hatred as he faces death, finally realising that both Montagues and Capulets are to blame for the violence that has cost him his life. His furious list of degrading insults (“a dog, a rat, a mouse, a cat”) shows his bitterness and contempt, reducing Tybalt to something animalistic and highlighting his rage at dying for a pointless feud.
Conflict quote 5
The Prince’s words, “See what a scourge is laid upon your hate / That heaven finds means to kill your joy with love,” confront Lord Capulet and Lord Montague with the devastating consequences of their futile feud. Shakespeare suggests that their obsessive need to protect family honour has ironically destroyed the very “joy” they sought to preserve—Romeo and Juliet. Their love becomes a divine punishment, turning affection into a vehicle for tragedy.
