UNIVERSITY OF GJAKOVA FEHMI AGANI FACULTY OF PHILOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE DIPLOMA PAPER

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1 UNIVERSITY OF GJAKOVA FEHMI AGANI FACULTY OF PHILOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE DIPLOMA PAPER Characters and Conflicts in Shakespeare s Romeo and Juliet Mentor: Prof.Dr.LIRAK KARJAGDIU Candidate: ALBANA QAUSHI Gjakova, 2018

2 Table of Contents 1. Introduction Life and Works of the Author... 6 a) Life... 6 b) Work Relevant information about Romeo and Juliet Major and Minor characters in Romeo and Juliet a) The major characters in Romeo and Juliet 2.1. Romeo Juliet Friar Laurence Nurse b) The minor characters in Romeo and Juliet 2.5. Mercutio Tybalt Benvolio Count Paris Main conflicts in Romeo and Juliet a) The internal conflicts in Romeo and Juliet 3.1. Juliet s inner conflict regarding her relationship with Romeo Nurse s inner conflict regarding Juliet s marriage with Romeo. 22 b) The external conflicts in Romeo and Juliet 3.3. The conflict between the Capulet and the Montague The conflict between Juliet and her father The conflict between Tybalt and Romeo The conflict between Friar John and the Plague Conclusion Bibliography

3 Declaration I, Albana Qaushi, herewith pledge that I intend to work on my diploma paper BA thesis fully respecting academic standards of the University of Gjakova Fehmi Agani. Therefore, any reference from published or unpublished work will be duly acknowledged through quotation, summarizing and paraphrasing. 3

4 1. Introduction William Shakespeare was an English dramatist, poet, and a famous actor. He is known as the author of many famous tragedies, comedies, histories, and of about 154 sonnets. Among all his well-known tragedies, Romeo and Juliet is considered as the most famous tragedy written by William Shakespeare in It is a story about two young lovers from Verona, who are enemies two each other, but love triumphs toward hostility and they join their hearts at their first meeting. Unfortunately, the play changes way from a comedy to a tragedy after that meeting and tragic things happen both during the play and at the end of it, as a result of a feud between the Capulet and the Montague. The story of Romeo and Juliet was not first invented by Shakespeare, but it was the author Arthur Brooks with The Tragic History of Romeus and Juliet who brought the story of Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet to an English audience. (Yap, C. P. Literary Focus: Romeo and Juliet. Retrieved from: According to Rolfe, J. W., as he writes in his book Shakespeare s Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet The tragedy of Romeo and Juliet was written into four quartos. The first quarto was printed in 1597, the second quarto appeared in 1599, the third one in 1609, and the fourth quarto was undated. (Rolfe, J. W. Shakespeare s Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. Retrieved from: It is of a great importance to mention that Shakespeare chose the story of Romeo and Juliet to turn into a play and sold it to the Lord Chamberlain s Company because it is a tragedy of romance where both major characters die at the end of the play. The reason that I decided to analyze it for my diploma thesis is that Romeo and Juliet has always been my favorite story to enjoy since the childhood. Also, as a strong reason for choosing to analyze it is the fame and greatness of this tragedy. This play s most impressive parts are the conflicts, so this diploma thesis mainly focuses on the conflicts and their consequences throughout the play, along with characters and their personal development. This diploma thesis consists of 5 main parts, in the first part I will discuss about the author s life and his famous works. Also, I will discuss some relevant information about Romeo and Juliet. In the second part, I will mention the characters of the tragedy. I will apart these characters in major and minor ones. Also, I will mention some of their personal 4

5 characteristics that describe them through this play. In the third part, I will discuss about the conflicts, since they are the most significant parts of the play. I will apart the conflicts in external and internal ones. Also, I will mention the reasons and the consequences of these conflicts. Deductive method is the methodology that I used for this diploma thesis. The books that I have studied and based on mostly for this paper are the followings: Shakespeare. W. Romeo and Juliet. London: Penguin Books, Hager, A. Understanding Romeo and Juliet: A student Casebook to Issues, Sources, and Historical Documents, Evans, G. B. (editor). The New Cambridge Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet, I would like to thank my mentor, Dr. Lirak Karjagdiu for his support and motivation through this journey, helping me finalizing one of the most important parts of my education. 5

6 1.1. Life and works of the author a) Life William Shakespeare, also known as The Bard of Avon, was born on April 23, in 1564 and baptized on April 26, in 1564 in Stratford- upon-avon, in England. His father, John Shakespeare, was a glove-maker, whereas his mother, Mary Arden, the younger daughter of Robert Arden, was a noble woman who came from an important family and was the owner of some land. In 1564, when William Shakespeare was only three months old, his father lost all his fortune, but fortunately, he took back his dignity on July 4, in In 1551, John Shakespeare left his birthplace and moved to Stratford- upon- Avon for a better career and job. William Shakespeare was the oldest son of John and Mary Shakespeare s, and he had three younger brothers: Gilbert (baptized on October 13, in 1566), Richard (baptized on March 11, in 1574), and Edmund (baptized on May 3, in 1580), and two other younger sisters: Anne (baptized on September 28, in 1571) and Joan (baptized on April 15, in 1569). Shakespeare attended the Local Grammar School in Stratford where he studied the Latin and the Greek languages, but after a time, he left school and did not go to the University. William Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway on November 28, in 1582, in Canterbury Province, while he was 18 and she was 26. She was pregnant when they got married and after six months she gives-birth their first child, Susanna. They had two daughters: Susanna and Judith, and a son: Hamnet, who was twin to Judith and died when he was a child at the age of 11. Susanna was born on May 26, in 1583, whereas Judith and Hamnet were born in After the birth of his twins, there were a period of seven years with no record of his activities and it has been called the lost years. In 1594, Shakespeare played before the Queen. At that time, males played the female characters, because women were not allowed to act on stage. On December, 1594, William Shakespeare was an important member of the Lord Chamberlain s Company, but after 9 years, in 1603, he became one of its leaders. (Shakespeare. W. Romeo and Juliet. Page: 7, 8, 9). Shakespeare had a great influence on the English language and invented hundred of words that we use today. Also, his influence on the theatre was of a great importance. He died on April 23, 1616, at his birthday at the age of 52 and the cause of his death is unknown. He was buried at the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford- upon- Avon, in England. The inscription on the Shakespeare s grave stone is: 6

7 Good friend for Jesus sake forebear, To dig the dust enclosed here. Blessed be the man that spares these stones, And cursed be he that moves my bones. b) Works William Shakespeare was an English poet, dramatist, actor, and a famous playwright. He is valued from critics as the most famous British poet of all time. During his journey as a writer, William Shakespeare wrote comedies, tragedies, histories, poems, and sonnets. He was wellknown for his tragedies. Before we go in deeper analysis about his works, we will discuss the definition of tragedy, since this play is considered as such. According to Aristotle as he cited in his book The Poetics of Aristotle, Tragedy is considered the imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude. According to him every tragedy must have six parts which determine its quality, such as: Plot, Character, Diction, Thought, Spectacle, and Song. ( Aristotle. The Poetics of Aristotle. Retrieved from: We have every reason to believe that when Shakespeare wrote his plays, he wrote fast and was a practical man. William Shakespeare was considered as a sort of the author who wrote his plays without a draft or a manuscript, so he wrote his most extraordinary plays in the heat of the moment. He always began to write a play with a story, and this makes the difference between him and other writers of a newspaper or article. (Brook, P. Evoking Shakespeare. Page. 15, 16). Many people may think that William Shakespeare wrote so many better parts for men than for women, but in reality it is different, since he is considered as the dramatist who wrote a lot about the character of women, especially with Cleopatra, Lady Macbeth, Juliet, Beatrice, Rosalind, Portia, Ophelia, Viola, Miranda, Desdemona, and a lot of other heroines. (Pritchett, V. S., Kent, R., & Ashcroft, P. Shakespeare: The Comprehensive Soul. Page: 81, 82). 7

8 Shakespeare wrote 37 plays, which consists of 12 tragedies, and the most famous are: Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth, King Lear, Anthony and Cleopatra, Othello, Julius Caesar, 14 comedies, such as: All s Well That Ends Well, As You Like It, Measure for Measure, Midsummer Night s Dream, and, 11 histories, such as: Henry IV-Part I, Henry IV-Part II, Henry V, King John, Richard II, Richard III, etc. Shakespeare is the author of two long narrative poems: Venus and Adonis written in 1593, and The Rape of Lucrece written in He wrote 154 sonnets, where the most famous one is the Sonnet 18. Among all his tragedies, Romeo and Juliet is considered as the most famous tragedy written by William Shakespeare. It is a story about two young lovers who are forced to sacrifice their lives by committing suicide at the end of the play because of an ancient feud between their families. The famous tragedy Hamlet was written by William Shakespeare, and it a play about the Prince of Denmark, named Hamlet, where is told about his dead father, who was murdered by his uncle Claudius. After his father s death, a ghost appeared at his home telling him to take revenge for his dead father. The well-known comedy Measure for Measure was written by Shakespeare between 1603 and 1604, and first published in It is considered Shakespeare s most problematic play. It is a story that talks about the fate of Claudio who was arrested by Lord Angelo. Claudio was arrested for having an intimacy affair with his fiancé, Juliet, before marriage. Shakespeare s narrative poem Venus and Adonis is one of his longest narrative poems, written in 1593, and it is considered Shakespeare s first publication during his career as a writer. It is a story about the Greek Goddess of love, who falls in love with an ordinary man. The most famous sonnet in Shakespeare s collection of 154 sonnets is considered Shall I compare thee to a summer s day? or also known as Sonnet 18. This sonnet consists of 14 lines written in iambic pentameter, and dedicated to his friend. It is considered among the best sonnets written by William Shakespeare. 8

9 1.2. Relevant information about Romeo and Juliet William Shakespeare s Romeo and Juliet is a famous tragedy written between 1594 and 1596, and first published in 1597 by Thomas Creede. It is supposed to be his first play about romantic and fatal love. Romeo and Juliet is the most performed play and have been translated in many languages of the world. Romeo and Juliet is a play about young lovers and raw sexuality of young people, and also about the intensity of passion. But it also is about marriage and how young people fit into the conventions of their societies by getting married, how they behave and how they communicate their different experiences. This tragedy explores marriage in an early modern England. The play is also about parents who want one kind of partner for their child, and about the young person who wants to choose another kind of partner. Romeo and Juliet illustrates the way in which families move from having a public role in a late feud society to a private world represented in public during the early modern period only by the father, and with mothers responsible for the moral education and social conformity of the children. (Hunter, L., & Lichtenfels, P. Negotiating Shakespeare s Language in Romeo and Juliet. Page: 85, 86, 87.) Even thought, the play is written by William Shakespeare, the story of Romeo and Juliet was not invented by him nor was introduced to an English speaking audience, but it was Arthur Brooke who brought it to an English audience with his famous long narrative poem The Tragic History of Romeus and Juliet, published in It is considered as the main source for Shakespeare to write his well-known tragedy because of its plotting and the similarities in characterization. Also, it was Arthur Brooke who first based his narrative poem on a story written by the Italian author Matteo Bandello in However, even thought there are many similarities between Shakespeare and Brooke s play, there are also a lot of differences between them. Shakespeare makes some changes in writing the play which results in adding the intensity of the action, and also he adds some more characters in his play and develops them more fully. (SLAMANS, R. B. The major differences between Shakespeare s play Romeo and Juliet and its source, Arthur Brooke s poem The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet. Page: 1, 2. Retrieved from: The whole structure of the tragedy is constructed in 5 acts, and the tone that the author uses during the story is passionate, romantic and violent, whereas one of the main themes of Romeo 9

10 and Juliet is considered the passionate love between two protagonists of the play Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet. The structure of the speech in the tragedy is a sonnet form written in 14 lines. Shakespeare s Romeo and Juliet is considered a famous tragedy which is made of four separate movements. According to Hager, A, as he cited in his book Understanding Romeo and Juliet The first movement included by the author is the tragic fate and the love story of two young lovers, Romeo and Juliet. The second movement is the ancient feud between two prestige families of Verona, the Capulet and the Montague. Then, there is seen a continual emphasis on paradox, and the last movement is the terrible rush in action and in speech. (Hager, A. Understanding Romeo and Juliet, Page: 2, 3). 10

11 2. The Major and Minor Characters in Romeo and Juliet This part of my diploma paper will be about the main characters that have their own importance in the tragedy. The main characters in this tragedy are divided into major and minor ones. The major characters have an important position and play a good role, according to decisions they take. On the other hand, the minor characters play an important role in the play and try to get the attention of the major characters. The major characters of Romeo and Juliet are Romeo, Juliet, Friar Laurence, and Nurse. Whereas, as the minor characters are considered Mercutio, Tybalt, Benvolio, and Count Paris. a) The Major Characters 2.1. Romeo Romeo is the main central male character in Shakespeare s Romeo and Juliet, and the author gives him the most important role in the tragedy, along with Juliet. Romeo is a young nobleman of about 16 years, and he is the only son of Lord and Lady Montague. He is one of the main protagonists of the play, and his role as a protagonist is proven with the fact that he faces some external conflicts with Juliet s family as a result of an ancient feud between them, especially with Tybalt, and Count Paris. Shakespeare introduces him as a protagonist who falls too quickly in love, and is appeared as an immature character who does things without thinking too much about their consequences. He is considered as one of the most prominent characters of the tragedy, who faces a lot of difficulties as a son of the Montague and an enemy to the Capulet. At the beginning of the play, we can recognize that the protagonist is depressed and sad because he is in love with a woman who does not fall for him. He declares that she is the most beautiful girl that he has ever seen in his life but as the time goes by he changes his mind by laying eyes in another beautiful lady, named Juliet. The first girl, Rosaline hurts his feelings, but the other one, Juliet, leads him to death by declaring him faithful love. 11

12 Romeo is considered as a round character because of his complex personality and based on his character traits as an impulsive, immature, kind, emotional, and fickle. For a very short time, Romeo s mood changes from sad to happy as a result of the mutual love his experiences after his meeting with Juliet. From a pride Montague that he always has been, Juliet s love and influence make him a weak person in front of her that he is ready to forget his name and everything about his roots as a Montague, and this is described better according to his words in act 2, scene 2 Neither fair maid, if either thee dislike. (Shakespeare. W. Romeo and Juliet. Page: 60). Also, he is seen as a coward in his friends eyes when he decides to share love for Juliet s cousin, Tybalt, and not fighting him, because he wants peace between them as now he is married to Juliet Capulet. Romeo is considered as a dynamic character, which changes over time from a kind person to a vindictive one by being the murder of Tybalt as a result of a revenge of Mercutio s death. Also, he commits another crime when he kills Count Paris at Juliet s tomb. In the eyes of the society of Verona, Romeo is seen as an intelligent and a young man who is not interested at all in violence, but after his crimes, Romeo s privilege falls and he is punished by the Prince Escalus of Verona. To Romeo, love is a blinding force; it is smoke that gets into the lover s eyes, a bitterness on which he chokes, and a vexatious sea in which he flounders. Therefore, it is no surprise that Romeo confesses that he is utterly lost and does not know who he is. (Pearce, J. Seeing the Catholic Presence in Romeo and Juliet. Page: 15). Romeo s nature is prone to enthusiastic feeling, and, as it were vaguely trembling in the direction of love before he sees Juliet; to meet her gives form and fixity to his vague emotion. He is at first completely unmanned; but Juliet exhibits a noble fortitude and self-command. Romeo is considered a tragic hero, who leads himself to the downfall only by his decision to take part on the feast organized by the Capulet, where he has a feeling that this night is the cause of his own death. Shall bitterly begin his fearful date with his night s revels, and expire the term of a despised life closed in my breast by some vile forfeit of untimely death. (Shakespeare. W. Romeo and Juliet. Page: 51). 12

13 2.2. Juliet Juliet is the main central female character of the tragedy Romeo and Juliet, written by William Shakespeare. Among a lot of major and minor characters of the play, Juliet is considered a major character and also a protagonist of the tragedy Romeo and Juliet, so her role as a protagonist is proven with the fact that she is faced with a lot of inner conflicts regarding her relationship with Romeo, and also faces an external conflict with her parents because of their willing to marry her to Count Paris. Based on her doings during the play, Shakespeare introduces Juliet as a passionate lover who is a brave soul when it is time to sacrifice her own self for love. Juliet is a young lady of about 13 years, and the only daughter of Lord and Lady Capulet. She is beautiful, obedient, and innocent. Since she is a Capulet, her greatest enemy is Romeo and his family, the Montague. Throughout the tragedy, the author makes us see a lot of changes in her personality as a major character. Juliet is described as a dynamic character based on her opinion about marriage. First, she does not have intentions on marriage when her mother tells her about Paris It is an honor that I dream not of. (Shakespeare. W. Romeo and Juliet. Page: 45). But after she felt in love with Romeo she changes her mind about marriage. Also, at the beginning of the tragedy, Juliet has another opinion about the feud between the Capulet and the Montague, but after falling in love with Romeo, her opinion has changed. To Juliet, love comes as a thing previously unknown; it is at once terrible and blissful; she rises through love, sorrow, and trial, from a child into a heroic woman. Juliet is a round character because at first she is obedient, shy, and kind to her parents, but after she falls for Romeo her character traits has changed to a disobedient young girl, direct, and independent woman who can take decisions for her own self. The love she feels for Romeo is considered a strong factor that contributes in her transformation from an obedient to a disobedient girl in her relationship with her parents, Lord and Lady Capulet. In her relationship with Romeo, Juliet appears as a passionate and loyal wife, even though she has reason not to believe him after he becomes the murder of her dearest cousin, Tybalt. Among Romeo s family, Juliet is the only Capulet who believes in Romeo s innocence, based on her dialogue with Nurse after she understands that Romeo is the murder of Tybalt. 13

14 The love she feels for him leads Juliet to take the most courageous decision in faking her own death in order to join Romeo in Mantua. Her courage and bravery to sacrifice herself for her husband makes Juliet appear an important character throughout the play. According to Evans, G. B, as he cited in his book The New Cambridge Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet Juliet is a stronger personality than Romeo and she wins through to an almost frightening maturity more quickly. (Evans, G. B. The New Cambridge Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet. Page: 27). So, we sense this in her poised and playfully serious exchange with Romeo at their first meeting, where she shows herself as more thoughtful, prudent, and realistic than Romeo. Juliet s downfall came as a result of her loyalty to Romeo and her immature decisions, so she is considered as a tragic heroine in the tragedy Romeo and Juliet. She committed suicide with a dagger after kissing Romeo s poisoned lips, by refusing to escape with the help of Friar Laurence, and again gives us another strong argument that she is loyal and could not imagine living her life with another man who is not Romeo. As a result of her and Romeo s death, two feuding families, the Capulet and the Montague end their feud by bringing peace in Verona and raising two statues of gold for Romeo and Juliet, whose will always remain as a symbol of love and sacrifice Friar Laurence Friar Laurence is a Franciscan friar who is considered as one of the major characters of the tragedy Romeo and Juliet. He is considered as e fundamental figure in the play, even though many people do not pay enough attention to him, while reading the tragedy. He plays an important role in the tragedy and in many ways he brings the play to a tragic ending. Friar Laurence is known as a trustworthy person, intelligent, and a holy man who helps young lovers to marry in secret, and serves as a confident character to both protagonists of the tragedy, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet. Even though he appears later in the play, his importance as a character is proven for the fact that he serves as a voice of maturity for both Romeo and Juliet, which makes him a foil to both the protagonists. Also, he plans the fake death of Juliet, and has good intentions in ending the ancient feud between the Capulet and the Montague. 14

15 Friar Laurence is considered a flat character since his character traits remain the same from the beginning and till the end of the tragedy, as he is confident, intelligent, kind, and trustworthy. Also, he is considered a static character because his character is the same during the play and does not change through time or any situation, and also remains the same in helping two young lovers, Romeo and Juliet. Despite the fact that he is a priest, Friar Laurence has made a lot of sins during his mission as a friend and counselor to both Romeo and Juliet. First of all, he marries two enemies without the knowledge of their families with his greatest intentions in ending the ancient feud between them. In act 2, scene 3, he tells Romeo about his intentions of this secret marriage In one respect I ll thy assistant be: for this alliance may so happy prove, to turn your households rancor to pure love. (Shakespeare. W. Romeo and Juliet. Page: 68). Then, he helps Juliet to appear as dead in order to join her husband who is abandoned from Verona, and also hides Juliet and Romeo s marriage from their families and Count Paris. Shakespeare makes Friar Laurence somehow a victim of the play when he fails to reveal the prior marriage of Romeo and Juliet, and has to cover up the situation by the sleeping potion, and when he attempts to run away, by letting Juliet alone in her most difficult moment. (Evans, G.B. The New Cambridge Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet. Page: 23). By telling the truth of the chronological happenings about Romeo and Juliet, and the help they get from him and the Nurse, again he proves himself as a sincere man. However, after all these sins that he commits during the play, it sounds a bit strange of how he is not punished by the Prince Escalus. At the end of the play, Friar Laurence achieves his goal of reconciling two feuding families, but as a result of his not well prepared plans, he leads to death both Romeo and Juliet Nurse The Nurse is considered as one of the major characters of the tragedy Romeo and Juliet, written by William Shakespeare. She is presented as a humorous old woman, talkative, and a woman who takes care of Juliet since her childbirth. She was married and had a daughter named Susan, but unfortunately, both her husband and daughter passed away. After that time, she became a nurse to Lady Juliet. Her role in the play is of a great importance because she serves as a 15

16 confidant character to Juliet, as well as to Romeo. The Nurse serves as a foil to Juliet with her bigger contrast of how she thinks of love, where she defines love with her sexual connotation. The author introduces her as a second mother to Juliet, a woman who does everything in order to make her happy. All she wants is to see Juliet a bride, and then all her wishes will come true. In act 1, scene 3, she confesses to lady Capulet and Juliet And I might live to see thee married once, I have my wish. (Shakespeare. W. Romeo and Juliet. Page: 45). Nurse is a round character based on her character traits as a comic, trustworthy, confident, and, well-intentioned, but after a time these character traits has changed to a serious, indiscrete, foolish, and pragmatic. Also, she is considered as a dynamic character based on her behaviors as she seems totally on Juliet s side at the beginning of the tragedy, but after Tybalt s death, the Nurse has changed her way of acting and responding to Juliet. Also, at the beginning of the play, she agrees with Juliet s love for Romeo, but after Tybalt s death, she suggests Juliet to forget Romeo and that Count Paris is way better than him. Juliet has lost her confidence on her nurse after she curses and blames Romeo for Tybalt s death, and after suggests her to marry Count Paris. Her betrayal leads Juliet to Friar Laurence to ask him for help, and to plan her fake death without the knowledge of the Nurse. So, Juliet s Nurse becomes one of the least sympathetic characters in the play, who bites off more trouble than she can politically or emotionally chew. (Lampert, R. Brigham. Romeo and Juliet, Page: 27). However, Juliet calls the Nurse before she drinks the poison, but immediately changes her mind because she no longer believes in her. This is based on Juliet s words in act 4, scene 3 Nurse! - What should she do here? My dismal scene I needs must act alone. (Shakespeare. W. Romeo and Juliet. Page: 115). b) The Minor Characters 2.5. Mercutio Mercutio is one of the minor characters in the tragedy Romeo and Juliet, written by William Shakespeare. Even though he is listed as a minor character, he has a great importance throughout the tragedy for the reason that he serves as a foil to Romeo when he makes fun of Romeo s 16

17 vision of love. The author introduces him as a confident character to the protagonist of the play, as well as a loyal and best friend. Another important thing to be mentioned is that Mercutio is neither Capulet nor Montague, but he is related to the Prince Escalus of Verona and Count Paris. As we know that Mercutio is the only character which was not invented by Arthur Brooke, but it is invented all by Shakespeare, and he makes him appear as the most interesting character in the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, because his is considered both a round and a static character, as we know that usually characters are dynamic and static or round and flat. Mercutio is considered as a round character based on his character traits as a pompous, comic, infuriating, aggressive, obstinate, and trustworthy. In act 1, scene 4, he is introduced as a pompous and comic character because of the way he uses the language about his imaginative Queen Mab in a dialogue with Romeo and Benvolio She is the Fairies midwife (Shakespeare. W. Romeo and Juliet. Page: 49). He is shown as an aggressive and infuriating person when he fights with Tybalt in order to save the honor of his best friend, Romeo, in act 3, scene 1, as he says to Tybalt O calm, dishonorable, vile submission: Alla stoccata carries it away. Tybalt, you rat-catcher, will you walk? (Shakespeare. W. Romeo and Juliet. Page: 82). Mercutio is considered as a static character because his personality does not change during the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, and he remains the same all the time till the end. He has always wanted to have attention and be the center of it as an extra dramatic character. By his death, the author of the tragedy puts in real troubles both of the main protagonists of the play as his tragic death orients the comedy to a tragedy. As a result of Mercutio s death, Romeo takes revenge and kills Tybalt, and then, he is abandoned from the city of Verona. The abandonment of Romeo opens new ways to Count Paris in his marriage with Juliet, a thing that had never happened Tybalt Tybalt is considered a minor character in the tragedy Romeo and Juliet. He is a Capulet, a cousin to Juliet, and a nephew to Lady Capulet. His relationship as a nephew to Lady Capulet is proven by her words after Tybalt s death in act 3, scene 1 Oh, the blood is spilt of my dear kinsman. (Shakespeare. W. Romeo and Juliet. Page: 84). 17

18 He is presented as an aggressive person, villain, fighter, and loyal. Tybalt is the main antagonist of the tragedy because he creates many external conflicts for the male protagonist of the play, Romeo. Tybalt s nickname is The Prince of Cats for the reason that he always finds ways to start a fight. In act 2, scene 4, Tybalt is introduced by Mercutio to Benvolio as More than Prince of Cats. (Shakespeare. W. Romeo and Juliet. Page: 69). Tybalt is presented as a protective character when it comes to save the honor of his family. In act 1, scene 5, the author shows him as a person who is trying to save the honor of the family by fighting Romeo, and not letting to be disrespected Why uncle, tis a shame. (Shakespeare. W. Romeo and Juliet. Page: 54). He never learns by his mistakes even when Lord Capulet criticizes him for his behavior toward Romeo in the feast, but he again appears as a stubborn person when he challenges Romeo in fighting and calls him a villain in act 3, scene 1 Romeo, the love I bear thee, can afford no better term than this thou art a villain. (Shakespeare. W. Romeo and Juliet. Page: 81). Tybalt is considered a flat character based on his character traits as he always is mad, aggressive, villain, and fighter. Also, he is a static character because he remains the same throughout the tragedy and never changes for a person who always looks for a fight and at any time is ready to protect the honor of his family. Since he is the greatest enemy of Romeo and the Montague, he indicates too much in the tragic fate of two main protagonists of the novel, Romeo and Juliet. He is considered as the only guilty that affects Romeo s abandonment from Verona, which ends with the tragic fate of Juliet, his dearest cousin, and continues with the death of Romeo. Also, his life ends in a tragic way because Tybalt is killed by his cousin s husband, Romeo, who is considered as a coward and villain according to Tybalt Benvolio Benvolio is considered one of the minor characters of the tragedy Romeo and Juliet, written by William Shakespeare. His role as a minor character is seen of a great importance since he is a person who hates violence and always is considered as a peacemaker in Verona. Benvolio is Romeo s best friend and a cousin to Lord Montague. He is seen as a minor character that always 18

19 remains loyal to one of the main protagonists of the tragedy, Romeo. The author introduces him as a loyal, peacemaker, kind, honest, and as a trustworthy character. Benvolio is considered a flat character based on his character traits as a peacemaker, trustworthy, problem solver, and counselor. Also, he is a static character because he does not change throughout the tragedy and always remains the same till the end of the play, as in the case of Romeo where Benvolio is always helpfulness and honest to him. In act 1, scene 1, Benvolio tries to stop the violence in the streets of Verona by serving as a peacemaker I do but keep the peace, put up thy sword. (Shakespeare. W. Romeo and Juliet. Page: 34). In act 1, scene 1 and 2, Benvolio is the person who gives Romeo the idea to attend the feast organized by the Capulet, in order to forget Rosaline. So, after his advice to Romeo, he leads two main protagonists to a fateful meeting. Even though, Benvolio s good intentions on Romeo may be seen as a form of spying on him when he tells the Lord Montague about Romeo s feelings, he is considered as a good character because all the wants for Romeo is to see him happy again. Throughout the tragedy, Benvolio serves as a peacemaker in the streets of Verona, but unfortunately his efforts result unsuccessful many times, as in the case of the conflict between Tybalt and Mercutio, and Tybalt and Romeo. Benvolio is considered as a minor character, who survives in the tragedy Romeo and Juliet, and serves as a confident character to the protagonist of the play, Romeo Count Paris Count Paris is considered one of the minor characters of the tragedy Romeo and Juliet. Throughout the play, Count Paris is seen as a nobleman, handsome, and a devout character in his relationship with Juliet, the woman who does not return his affections. He is related to Prince Escalus of Verona, so he is neither a Capulet nor a Montague. Based on his doings during the play, he is considered as an antagonist to one of the main protagonists of the tragedy, Romeo 19

20 because he creates an external conflict with Romeo, when he tries to protect the Juliet s tomb, and also because he is the person who seeks Juliet s hand in marriage. Count Paris is first introduced in act 1, scene 2, when he asks Lord Capulet about Juliet s hand in marriage. He does not appear too much during the play but his role as a future husband to young Juliet makes him an important character. His value as a gentleman and handsome is described by Juliet s family, including the Lady Capulet, the Lord Capulet, and the Nurse. In act 1, scene 3, in a dialogue between the Lady Capulet, the Nurse, and Juliet, Count Paris is listed in the high rank of perfection by calling him a man of wax. Also, Count Paris is honored by Lord Capulet s words in act 3, scene 5 And having now provided a gentleman of noble parentage, of fair demesnes, youthful, and nobly trained, stuffed as they, with honorable parts, proportioned as one s thought would wish a man. (Shakespeare. W. Romeo and Juliet. Page: 106). Count Paris is considered a flat character based on his character traits as a polite and nobleman. Also, he is a static character because he always remains the same in his relationship with Juliet, even after her death by sending flowers to her grave and protecting her tomb from enemies. His wishes to have her as his wife will never come true because she is in love with Romeo, and as a result of Paris s insistence to marry her, Juliet takes the decision to fake her death which ends with her real death. 20

21 3. Main conflicts in Romeo and Juliet Conflicts are considered as an important part of a story in literature. They help in developing the major and the minor characters of a play. Main conflicts are divided into two important parts: the internal conflicts and the external conflicts. The internal conflicts refer to something that the character struggles with, usually within himself. These types of conflicts are seen as an important part of a story since they make characters appear as more interesting. While, the external conflicts refer to conflicts among one character, usually the protagonist, with some other characters. In Romeo and Juliet as an internal conflict is considered: Juliet s inner conflict regarding her relationship with Romeo, and Nurse s inner conflict regarding Juliet s marriage with Romeo. Whereas, as an external conflict is considered: the conflict between the Capulet and the Montague, the conflict between Juliet and her father, the conflict between Tybalt and Romeo, and the conflict between Friar John and the Plague. a) The internal conflicts 3.1. Juliet s inner conflict regarding her relationship with Romeo Juliet as one of the main protagonists of the tragedy experiences many inner conflicts regarding her relationship with another main protagonist who is Romeo. Her first inner conflict within herself is seen after she meets Romeo and understands that he is a Montague, a great enemy of her family. In act 1, scene 5, she speaks to herself prodigious birth of love it is to me, that I must love a loathed enemy. (Shakespeare. W. Romeo and Juliet. Page: 56). After a while, Juliet s love for Romeo makes her change a bit about the ancient feud between the two families, the Capulet and the Montague. The second inner conflict that Juliet experiences within herself is shown to us when Juliet appears on the balcony, and without the knowledge that Romeo is hearing, she talks about her love for him, and then asks herself why his name is Romeo and why he should be a Montague. In act 2, scene 2, Juliet says to herself O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo? (Shakespeare. W. Romeo and Juliet. Page: 59). 21

22 From these lines, we totally understand that she changes a lot because of the love she feels for him, since Juliet is ready to forget that she is a Capulet, if Romeo swears that he loves her. Juliet is appeared as a direct and independent woman regarding her relationship with Romeo. Her confidence on Romeo grows more when she is married to him, so Juliet chooses to believe in Romeo instead of her family members. After the Nurse brings her the most terrible news about Tybalt s death, her mood changes only because she thinks that Romeo is dead, but after she learns that Romeo is fine, she stops her crying. During her dialogue with the Nurse, Juliet understands that Romeo is the murder of her dearest cousin, Tybalt. After that, her confidence about Romeo as a good person is faded a bit. Then, she changes her mind by saying that he is not a villain and she must believe in him because he is her husband. In act 3, scene 2, there is shown Juliet s inner conflict whether Romeo is an angel or a devil O serpent heart, hid with a flowering face, did ever dragon keep so fair a cave? (Shakespeare. W. Romeo and Juliet. Page: 89). However, in act 3, scene 2, when the Nurse starts to say bad things about Romeo, like shame on him, Juliet is appeared like a tiger in front of her Nurse in order to protect Romeo s honor by saying these words Blistered be thy tongue for such a wish, he was not born to shame: Upon his brow shame is ashamed to it: For tis a throne where honor may be crowned sole monarch of the universal earth. (Shakespeare. W. Romeo and Juliet. Page: 89, 90). Juliet s inner conflicts regarding her relationship with Romeo do not last too long, because she is in love and believes in him more than in everything else. Her true and passionate love, and also the absolute confidence are considered as a resolution to Juliet s inner conflict regarding her relationship with her husband, Romeo Montague. The only thing that she wants is to be happy and live a long life as his wife, even though she knows about his abandonment from Verona The Nurse s inner conflict regarding Juliet s marriage with Romeo As Juliet enters an early adolescence the Nurse aids her in her secret marriage with Romeo, while this is considered a marriage desired by Juliet and also supported by the Nurse. Juliet s marriage to Romeo represents love, something of a great value, which she had learned from her 22

23 Nurse. The Nurse wants the best for Lady Juliet and lives for her happiness, but things has changed after a time when Romeo takes revenge upon Mercutio s death and kills Tybalt. After that time, the Nurse experiences an inner conflict within herself regarding Juliet s marriage to Romeo, as we are introduced to it in act 3, after Tybalt s death, while in a private dialogue with Lady Juliet, the Nurse declares to her We are undone Lady, we are undone! (Shakespeare. W. Romeo and Juliet. Page: 88). Thinking about the consequences of the secret marriage of Romeo and Juliet, the Nurse changes her opinion on Romeo and suggests Juliet to take into consideration a soon marriage with Count Paris. Also, Juliet s nurse had to act against the interests of Juliet, her marriage to Romeo, because of her social and economic powerlessness. The Nurse s economic and social dependency upon Juliet s parents meant that she had no natural rights to state what she believes is best for Juliet, so she was put into a position where the values of love were negated by stronger political forces. (Coles, P. The Shadow of the Second Mother. Page: 58). The resolution to this inner conflict is considered when Juliet tells her nurse that she will visit Friar Laurence s cell in order to confess and be forgive, but instead she goes there to consult with the priest and both of them decide to plan her fake death, so Juliet can join Romeo in Mantua. a) The external conflicts 3.3. The conflict between the Capulet and the Montague At the first page of the tragedy Romeo and Juliet, in the Prologue, we are introduced to an ancient feud between two prestige families of Verona, the Capulet and the Montague, which is considered as an external conflict of the tragedy. According to Shakespeare, W., as cited in his book Romeo and Juliet from ancient grudge (Shakespeare. W. Romeo and Juliet. Page: 23

24 31), he refers to the feud between the Capulet and the Montague as an ancient one, but he does not give any clarification of the reasons behind it. All we know about it is that this hostility between them causes many streets fights in the name of these to prestige families, and 6 deaths in total during the play; the death of Romeo, Juliet, Tybalt, Mercutio, Count Paris, and the death of Lady Montague after the abandonment of Romeo from Verona. Also, a lot of people are punished by the Prince Escalus of Verona only because of their fights in the name of the Montague or the Capulet, as he cited in act 1, scene 1 If ever you disturb our streets again, your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace. (Shakespeare. W. Romeo and Juliet. Page: 35). The external conflict between these two prestige families prevents two young lovers, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, to live happily together, and leads both of them to an early and tragic death. As a resolution to this external conflict between the Capulet and the Montague is considered the death of Romeo and Juliet, so at the end of the play everyone can live a happy and peace life only because the Capulet and the Montague make peace in the name of their dead children The conflict between Juliet and her father William Shakespeare s tragedy of Romeo and Juliet is rich in external conflicts, especially in an external conflict between the main female protagonist, Juliet, and her father, Lord Capulet. At the beginning of the play we are introduced to a normal relationship between Juliet and her father, but gradually things have changed as Juliet falls in love with Romeo, and somehow she becomes more independent and mature in her decisions even though she is not yet 14 years. However, the marriage with Romeo was unacceptable to Juliet s father, even though he doesn t know about it, because of the political conflict that exists between the families of Romeo and Juliet, the Montagues and the Capulets. The marriage desired by Juliet s father, that she should marry Count Paris, and Juliet s secret marriage to Romeo, endorsed by her Nurse, bring to the 24

25 fore the different social values of Juliet s parents and those of the Nurse. (Coles, P. The Shadow of the Second Mother. Page: 57). At first, Lord Capulet is shown as a loving and a protective father, who always wants the best for his young daughter but never agrees with the fact that a young child of about 14 years may have ideas of their own and search for their own identity and voice. Throughout the tragedy, Juliet s personality changes a lot from an obedient young girl to a disobedient and independent one, so as a result of her personality and Lord Capulet s controlling nature, her relationship with her father changes and this causes a strong conflict between them. As a reason of family s prosperity and future allegiance, Lord Capulet wants to marry her daughter to Count Paris, without being interested in her ideas and feelings. In act 3, scene 5, Lord Capulet shows his controlling nature toward Juliet when he tells her about her marriage with Count Paris, which is going to happen on Thursday, and she immediately opposes her father s decision, thus bringing to us a serious conflict between them I tell thee what, get thee to church a Thursday, or never after look me in the face. (Shakespeare. W. Romeo and Juliet. Page: 105). But Juliet does not quite forget her parents, Lord and Lady Capulet; on the contrary, in spite of the unloving treatment by her parents, there is some deep feeling for them in her heart, because when she receives the news about her cousin s death and the abandonment of her husband, she still thinks about their heavy loss and asks the Nurse about them. (Gunther, M. A Defense of Shakespeare s Romeo and Juliet against modern criticism, Page: 5). As a resolution to this external conflict between a daughter and a father, comes Juliet s trickery because she knows well her father, who is considered as a person who will love and protect her only if she feels sorry about her words and what she has done. So, Juliet returns to him by saying that she changes her mind about Count Paris, the husband who is chosen by him. But, this is considered only as a resolution to her conflict with Lord Capulet, so in her mind Juliet prepares a plan in order to join Romeo and be free from her parent s will to marry Count Paris. 25

26 3.5. The conflict between Tybalt and Romeo Another external conflict that is considered of a great significance throughout the tragedy is the external conflict between Tybalt and Romeo, which results with the death of Tybalt, as a revenge upon Mercutio s death, and the abandonment of Romeo from Verona. The consequences of this conflict are suffered by Romeo Montague, which result in his punishment, Juliet, and Mercutio, who is killed by Tybalt because he fights him in order to save the honor of his friend and the Montague family. At act 1, scene 5, Shakespeare introduces to us Tybalt s intentions to start a conflict with Romeo, because according to him Romeo s participation at Capulet s feast has underestimated their honor what dares the slave come hither. (Shakespeare. W. Romeo and Juliet. Page: 53). So, by the word slave that he uses in his dialogue with Lord Capulet, Tybalt refers to Romeo. However, the situation is calmed by Lord Capulet who orders his nephew to calm down because Romeo is behaving in a proper manner and also he is considered as a man of full respect from all the people of Verona Verona brags of him, to be a virtuous and well-governed youth (Shakespeare. W. Romeo and Juliet. Page: 53). Tybalt s revenge upon Romeo s presence at the feast does not end there, since he starts another conflict with Romeo at act 3, but instead Mercutio fights him in order to save the honor of Romeo. However, even though Romeo does not want to start a fight with Capulet because now he is married to Juliet, he comes back and takes revenge upon Mercutio s death by being the murder of Tybalt for Mercutio s soul is but a little way above our heads, staying for thine to keep him company. (Shakespeare. W. Romeo and Juliet. Page: 84). As a result of this duel, Tybalt is killed by Romeo, which leads Romeo to a harder punishment from Prince of Verona, where he is ordered to abandon the city. The abandonment of Romeo from the city of Verona changes the way in which things happen, because as a result of it Friar Laurence and young Juliet plan a fake death for Juliet in order to join Romeo in Mantua after all the people think that she is dead. Juliet s fake death leads Romeo to his real death, where Juliet joins him and kills herself with Romeo s dagger. 26