R&J - CONFLICT quotes Flashcards
“Ancient…”
“…grudge breaks to new mutiny”
Shakespeare opens a play primarily about love to demonstrate how ingrained conflict is with the families and daily lives of the citizens of Verona, maiming their love as well - this is a highlighted aspect of the love story as well.
He describes the feud as “ancient” which connotes that even the families don’t know what they’re fighting for anymore - the ‘grudge’ is dated, and should have been left in the past long ago, however, is almost eternal, which is also reflected as it is mentioned in the prologue, and is adopted as a simple matter of fact from the very start by the audience.
The word ‘mutiny’ alludes to the new wave of violence born from the “ancient grudge” i.e. the conflict between the younger Capulets and Montagues. Shakespeare is shedding light on the generational conflict found within Veronese society, and the way that hatred can trickle through to the younger generation. However, ‘mutiny’ also suggests an act of rebellion - this could be referring to Romeo and Juliet’s rebellion against their families, and since this ‘new mutiny’ is born from the ‘ancient grudge’ this reflects the fact that Romeo and Juliet’s love was born from hatred and conflict, reinforcing the idea that love and hate are entwined and ultimately that love can always rebel against conflict.
PROLOGUE
“Though art…”
“…a villain”
Romeo, in Tybalt’s eyes is a villain because he dishonoured the Capulets by going to the party. So, in Tybalt’s perspective, Tybalt is a hero, since he defends his family honour - none of Shakespeare’s characters are doing intentional evils - he is showing us how morals are subjective, and socially accepted rights can sometimes be incorrect. What neither of them know is that Romeo is married to Tybalt’s cousin Juliet, so it is ironic that Tybalt views Romeo as a villain because he’s a Montague.
Act 3 Scene 1
“My only love…”
“…sprung from my only hate”
Paradox: Juliet’s love for Romeo arises from a family that she is supposed to hate. This highlights the intense and irrational nature of love, as well as the inextricable link between love and hate in their world.
This line provides a deep insight into Juliet’s character. She experiences a mix of emotions: joy from her newfound love but also confliction due to the honour she must hold for her family.
Foreshadowing: the line also foreshadows the tragic events that will follow. The conflict between their love and and familial hatred, eventually leads to their deaths.
Act 1 Scene 5
“These violent ______…”
“…have violent ends”
Act 2 Scene 6
“His name is Romeo, and a Montague…”
“…the only son of your great enemy”
Act 1 Scene 5
“What, drawn, and talk of peace!…”
“….I hate the word.”
Act 1 Scene 1
“Where ___ blood makes…”
“…civil hands unclean”
PROLOGUE
“Profaners of this…”
“…neighbour-stained steel”
Act 1 Scene 1
“Civil brawls bred…”
“…of an airy word”
Act 1 Scene 1
“Cankered with peace…”
“…,to part your cankered hate”
Act 1 Scene 1
“Your lives shall…”
“…pay the forefeit of the peace”
Act 1 Scene 1
“The quarrel is between…”
“…our masters, and us their men”
Act 1 Scene 1
“I will push Montague’s men from ____ _____…”
“…and thrust his maids to the wall”
Act 1 Scene 1
“New ______”
PROLOGUE
“Where ____ blood….”
“…makes civil hands unclean”
