P.E.E
Romeo and Juliet
Question
How does Shakespeare create conflict
and present violence in Romeo and
Juliet?
(with reference to 1.1, 3.1, 3.5 and 5.3)
In the early scenes of Romeo and Juliet the violence is between the Caulets and the
Montagues. However when both Tybalt and Mercutio die the tension and violence is now a
part of the Capulet family circle. Shakespeare shows the increasing tension in the play as
conflict is no longer just between men but between men and women and father and daughter.
Words such as ‘die’ and ‘hang’ show Capulet as vicious, the monosyllabic nature of his speech
highlights the rage he feels. His outrage and horror at Juliet’s behaviour is reflected as
Shakespeare writes in iambic pentameter, which conveys his fury as he tells Juliet the
possible consequences of her actions. Words such as ‘starve’ and ‘streets’ suggest Capulet is
literally spitting his words at Juliet.
Shakespeare shows tension and conflict in the form of Capulet's overbearing and dominant
role in the family. His use of derogatory language and insults he aims towards Juliet increase
the tension in this scene especially when Capulet says Juliet is a ‘disobedient wretch’ and
suggests she will ‘hang, beg and starve’ if she disobeys him.
The conflict is not limited to the male characters and by Act III Scene V conflict has spread
between Capulet and Juliet. In the Elizabethan period, the role of women was extremely
limited, men dominated every element of life in a patriarchal society. Men were leaders and in
charge whilst women obeyed their orders and were classed as inferior. Women were regarded
as a weaker sex because of their emotional and physical ‘weakness’
The general believe was that women had to be looked after and should go from their father’s
care to their husband’s care. Women were not allowed to be independent. This is prevalent
in Act III Scene V when Capulet demands that Juliet be married to Paris and if she disobeys
she will be punished. The dramatic irony that Juliet is already married adds further tension
to the play.
The conflict is not limited to the male characters and by Act III Scene V conflict has spread
between Capulet and Juliet. In the Elizabethan period, the role of women was extremely
limited, men dominated every element of life in a patriarchal society. Men were leaders and in
charge whilst women obeyed their orders and were classed as inferior. Women were regarded
as a weaker sex because of their emotional and physical ‘weakness’
The general believe was that women had to be looked after and should go from their father’s
care to their husband’s care. Women were not allowed to be independent. This is prevalent
in Act III Scene V when Capulet demands that Juliet be married to Paris and if she disobeys
she will be punished. The dramatic irony that Juliet is already married adds further tension
to the play.
Shakespeare shows tension and conflict in the form of Capulet's overbearing and dominant
role in the family. His use of derogatory language and insults he aims towards Juliet increase
the tension in this scene especially when Capulet says Juliet is a ‘disobedient wretch’ and
suggests she will ‘hang, beg and starve’ if she disobeys him.
Words such as ‘die’ and ‘hang’ show Capulet as vicious, the monosyllabic nature of his speech
highlights the rage he feels. His outrage and horror at Juliet’s behaviour is reflected as
Shakespeare writes in iambic pentameter, which conveys his fury as he tells Juliet the
possible consequences of her actions. Words such as ‘starve’ and ‘streets’ suggest Capulet is
literally spitting his words at Juliet.
In the early scenes of Romeo and Juliet the violence is between the Caulets and the
Montagues. However when both Tybalt and Mercutio die the tension and violence is now a
part of the Capulet family circle. Shakespeare shows the increasing tension in the play as
conflict is no longer just between men but between men and women and father and daughter.
Structure
P:
E:
E:
POINT = SPONGE
Point to develop argument, (explain
the context of the quotation)
EVIDENCE = JAM
Justify the point
EXPLANATION = CREAM
Analysis of language and technique
CONCLUDE = SPONGE
Relate point back to argument and
develop to the next point