essay on violence in romeo and juliet

Romeo and Juliet

William shakespeare, everything you need for every book you read..

Love and Violence Theme Icon

“These violent delights have violent ends,” says Friar Laurence in an attempt to warn Romeo , early on in the play, of the dangers of falling in love too hard or too fast. In the world of Romeo and Juliet , love is not pretty or idealized—it is chaotic and dangerous. Throughout the play, love is connected through word and action with violence, and Romeo and Juliet ’s deepest mutual expression of love occurs when the “star-crossed lovers take their life.” By connecting love with pain and ultimately with suicide, Shakespeare suggests that there is an inherent sense of violence in many of the physical and emotional facets of expressing love—a chaotic and complex emotion very different from the serene, idealized sweetness it’s so often portrayed as being.

There are countless instances throughout Romeo and Juliet in which love and violence are connected. After their marriage, Juliet imagines in detail the passion she and Romeo will share on their wedding night, and invokes the Elizabethan characterization of orgasm as a small death or “petite mort”—she looks forward to the moment she will “die” and see Romeo’s face reflected in the stars above her. When Romeo overhears Juliet say that she wishes he were not a Montague so that they could be together, he declares that his name is “hateful” and offers to write it down on a piece of paper just so he can rip it up and obliterate it—and, along with it, his very identity, and sense of self as part of the Montague family. When Juliet finds out that her parents, ignorant of her secret marriage to Romeo, have arranged for her to marry Paris , she goes to Friar Laurence’s chambers with a knife, threatening to kill herself if he is unable to come up with a plan that will allow her to escape her second marriage. All of these examples represent just a fraction of the instances in which language and action conspire to render love as a “violent delight” whose “violent ends” result in danger, injury, and even death. Feeling oneself in the throes of love, Shakespeare suggests, is tumultuous and destabilizing enough—but the real violence of love, he argues, emerges in the many ways of expressing love.

Emotional and verbal expressions of love are the ones most frequently deployed throughout the play. Romeo and Juliet wax poetic about their great love for each other—and the misery they feel as a result of that love—over and over again, and at great lengths. Often, one of their friends or servants must cut them off mid-speech—otherwise, Shakespeare seems to suggest, Romeo and Juliet would spend hours trying to wrestle their feelings into words. Though Romeo and Juliet say lovely things about one another, to be sure, their speeches about each other, or about love more broadly, are almost always tinged with violence, which illustrates their chaotic passion for each other and their desire to mow down anything that stands in its way. When Romeo, for instance, spots Juliet at her window in the famous “balcony scene” in Act 2, Scene 2, he wills her to come closer by whispering, “Arise, fair sun ”—a beautiful metaphor of his love and desire for Juliet—and quickly follows his entreaty with the dangerous language “and kill the envious moon, Who is already sick and pale with grief.” Juliet’s “sun”-like radiance makes Romeo want her to “kill” the moon (or Rosaline ,) his former love and her rival in beauty and glory, so that Juliet can reign supreme over his heart. Later on in the play, when the arrival of dawn brings an end to Romeo and Juliet’s first night together as man and wife, Juliet invokes the symbol of a lark’s song—traditionally a symbol of love and sweetness—as a violent, ill-meaning presence which seeks to pull Romeo and Juliet apart, “arm from arm,” and “hunt” Romeo out of Juliet’s chambers. Romeo calls love a “rough” thing which “pricks” him like a thorn; Juliet says that if she could love and possess Romeo in the way she wants to, as if he were her pet bird, she would “kill [him] with much cherishing.” The way the two young lovers at the heart of the play speak about love shows an enormously violent undercurrent to their emotions—as they attempt to name their feelings and express themselves, they resort to violence-tinged speech to convey the enormity of their emotions.

Physical expressions of love throughout the play also carry violent connotations. From Romeo and Juliet’s first kiss, described by each of them as a “sin” and a “trespass,” to their last, in which Juliet seeks to kill herself by sucking remnants of poison from the dead Romeo’s lips, the way Romeo and Juliet conceive of the physical and sexual aspects of love are inextricable from how they conceive of violence. Juliet looks forward to “dying” in Romeo’s arms—again, one Elizabethan meaning of the phrase “to die” is to orgasm—while Romeo, just after drinking a vial of poison so lethal a few drops could kill 20 men, chooses to kiss Juliet as his dying act. The violence associated with these acts of sensuality and physical touch furthers Shakespeare’s argument that attempts to adequately express the chaotic, overwhelming, and confusing feelings of intense passion often lead to a commingling with violence.

Violent expressions of love are at the heart of Romeo and Juliet . In presenting and interrogating them, Shakespeare shows his audiences—in the Elizabethan area, the present day, and the centuries in-between—that love is not pleasant, reserved, cordial, or sweet. Rather, it is a violent and all-consuming force. As lovers especially those facing obstacles and uncertainties like the ones Romeo and Juliet encounter, struggle to express their love, there may be eruptions of violence both between the lovers themselves and within the communities of which they’re a part.

Love and Violence ThemeTracker

Romeo and Juliet PDF

Love and Violence Quotes in Romeo and Juliet

Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes, A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life; Whose misadventured piteous overthrows, Doth with their death bury their parents' strife. The fearful passage of their death-mark'd love, And the continuance of their parents' rage, Which, but their children's end, nought could remove, Is now the two hours' traffic of our stage; The which if you with patient ears attend, What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend.

Fate Theme Icon

Why then, O brawling love! O loving hate! O any thing, of nothing first created; O heavy lightness! serious vanity! Mis-shapen chaos of well-seeming forms!

essay on violence in romeo and juliet

Oh, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night Like a rich jewel in an Ethiope's ear, Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear. So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows As yonder lady o'er her fellows shows. The measure done, I'll watch her place of stand, And, touching hers, make blessèd my rude hand. Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night.

You kiss by th’ book.

My only love sprung from my only hate! Too early seen unknown, and known too late!

But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun!

O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy name; Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, And I'll no longer be a Capulet.

'Tis but thy name that is my enemy; — Thou art thyself though, not a Montague. What's Montague? It is nor hand, nor foot, Nor arm, nor face, nor any other part Belonging to a man. O, be some other name! What's in a name? That which we call a rose, By any other word would smell as sweet; So Romeo would, were he not Romeo call'd, Retain that dear perfection which he owes Without that title: — Romeo, doff thy name; And for thy name, which is no part of thee, Take all myself.

I take thee at thy word: Call me but love, and I'll be new baptis'd; Henceforth I never will be Romeo.

O, swear not by the moon, the inconstant moon, That monthly changes in her circled orb, Lest that thy love prove likewise variable.

Good-night, good-night! Parting is such sweet sorrow That I shall say good-night till it be morrow.

Romeo, the hate I bear thee can afford No better term than this: thou art a villain.

Romeo: Courage, man; the hurt cannot be much. Mercutio: No, 'tis not so deep as a well, nor so wide as a church-door; but 'tis enough, 'twill serve: ask for me to-morrow, and you shall find me a grave man.

O, I am fortune's fool!

Come, gentle night, — come, loving black brow'd night, Give me my Romeo; and when he shall die, Take him and cut him out in little stars, And he will make the face of Heaven so fine That all the world will be in love with night, And pay no worship to the garish sun.

Wilt thou be gone? it is not yet near day. It was the nightingale, and not the lark, That pierc'd the fearful hollow of thine ear; Nightly she sings on yond pomegranate tree. Believe me love, it was the nightingale.

Is there no pity sitting in the clouds That sees into the bottom of my grief? O sweet my mother, cast me not away! Delay this marriage for a month, a week, Or if you do not, make the bridal bed In that dim monument where Tybalt lies.

Or bid me go into a new-made grave, And hide me with a dead man in his shroud - Things that, to hear them told, have made me tremble - And I will do it without fear or doubt, To live an unstain'd wife to my sweet love.

Then I defy you, stars!

O true apothecary! Thy drugs are quick. — Thus with a kiss I die.

Yea, noise, then I'll be brief; O, happy dagger! This is thy sheath; there rest, and let me die.

For never was a story of more woe Than this of Juliet and her Romeo.

The LitCharts.com logo.

Home / Essay Samples / Literature / Writers / William Shakespeare

How Does Shakespeare Portray the Theme of Violence in Romeo and Juliet

Essay details

Law, Crime & Punishment , Literature

Crime , Writers

Murder , William Shakespeare

  • Words: 2018 (4 pages)

Please note! This essay has been submitted by a student.

Get quality help now

essay on violence in romeo and juliet

Verified writer

Proficient in: Crime , Writers

essay on violence in romeo and juliet

+ 75 relevant experts are online

More William Shakespeare Related Essays

Toxic masculinity is a term used in media to describe the social conditioning of males who are raised and taught to meet the standards of society. Media has a tremendous influence in the way toxic masculinity is perceived and ...

I largely agree that Iago’s main technique is to use people’s virtues against them, as examples of him employing this technique is evident in Acts 1 to 3 through the ways in which he manipulates Cassio, Othello and Desdemona. ...

‘Schadenfreude’ is when a person who experiences pleasure or satisfaction upon learning or observing pain, failure or humiliation of others. It is often noted that schadenfreude is backed up by rivalry, sense of justice, and ...

Early modern sonnet traditions carried reasonable indecency, so it's not astonishing to discover farce, absolute opposite and reference among them. Poem 130 satisfies pundit Harold Bloom's idea of Shakespeare's 'balance ... ...

The true author or authors behind the works attributed to William Shakespeare has long been debated, scholars proposing more than 70 potential candidates, ranging from Sir Francis Bacon to Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of ...

In the process, she deftly uses the allegation of cowardice in order to persuade him to performing the deed since, ultimately, she can be almost certain that Macbeth – who, in accordance with his self-conception, perceives his ...

In the play Macbeth, the main character Macbeth is questioned for being “a real man” many times by his wife, Lady Macbeth. She questions his masculinity many times throughout the book, often for not obeying one of her orders. ...

 There are a lot of factors that lead to the downfall of Macbeth. Changing him from a hero that all people loved into a person that everybody hates and fears. We will discuss each factor and the impact of each factor on ...

In Othello, women are not seen in society as equal to males. The women are not able to pick who they marry, as their father must grant permission and choose who he wants his daughter to marry to try to become more wealthy and ...

apologies

This feature is still in progress, but don't worry – you can place an order for an essay with our expert writers

We use cookies to offer you the best experience. By continuing, we’ll assume you agree with our Cookies policy .

Choose your writer among 300 professionals!

You cannot copy content from our website. If you need this sample, insert an email and we'll deliver it to you.

Please, provide real email address.

This email is exists.

Marked by Teachers

  • TOP CATEGORIES
  • AS and A Level
  • University Degree
  • International Baccalaureate
  • Uncategorised
  • 5 Star Essays
  • Study Tools
  • Study Guides
  • Meet the Team
  • English Literature
  • William Shakespeare
  • Romeo and Juliet

Violence and Conflict in Romeo and Juliet

Authors Avatar

Four hundred years ago, William Shakespeare wrote the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, a popular play that continues to capture the imagination and emotions of people around the world. The drama portrays the passionate, violent and often desperate lives of the youth of Verona. Even today, the tragedy resembles a blue print of the problems that the adolescents of the twentieth century must face each day. In this play Shakespeare explores the pitfalls of young love, and the consequences they receive from their actions, which mostly revolve around violence and conflict.

     In Verona, the feud between the Capulets and Montagues reigns supreme, and rules seemingly over love, over justice, in an almost unfair manner, as ‘civil blood makes civil hands unclean’. The image of violence being so unfair exists prominently in the deaths of so many of the cast. We see the two obvious images of the tragid death of Romeo and Juliet. Their young, pure lives are brought to a despicable end through the violence around them

      ‘Romeo and Juliet’ was written between 1594 and 1596. During this period, poets and dramatists alike were experimenting with a variety of styles; blank verse was a new form, and so was the sonnet. Shakespeare intentionally wrote ‘Romeo and Juliet’ for the Queen, simultaneously gaining her interest and enthusiasm for his style of writing. The play contains a lot of sexual punning, rude jokes and verbal interaction, which Elizabethans enjoyed watching and reading about. These sorts of entertainments factors would really get the audience excited and their interest towards the story grows rapidly.

      Throughout the entire play there is a strong sense of violence, which continues to portray unfortunate consequences. I will be explaining the aspects of violence and conflict in various scenes, to discover how they are a trigger to further preconceptions.

       Act one, scene one. I feel that Shakespeare begins his play in the same way he intends to end it…through violence and conflict. Immediately we are introduced to the servants of the Capulet’s house. Where they are caught confidently boasting about themselves, ‘Gregory, on my word, we’ll not carry coals’. However they do not only talk about themselves, but also bring the Montagues into their minor discussion, ‘A dog of the house of Montague moves me’. This clearly indicates that there is a strong sense of hatred within the Capulets for the Montagues, a hatred where even the servants are involved. It also shows how devoted and faithful the servants are to their master.

      Shakespeare soon decides to add some sexual innuendo, as Elizabethans loved the rude jokes and sexual punning, ‘I will be civil with the maids – I will cut off their heads’. Gregory and Sampson are then greatly provoked by the entrance of Abram and Balthasar - Montague’s servants. Gregory suddenly changes his tone, as he is a cowardly character, ‘No, marry! I fear thee!’ He does not wish to get involved in a fight.

     However Sampson on the other hand is roaring to go, as he wants to start a brawl, ‘I will bite my thumb at them’, from this comment we discover that the Montagues also hold a strong grudge against the Capulets, therefore Abram argues back, ‘Do you bite your thumb at us, sir?’ This triggers their anger and they decide to physically attack one another, ‘Draw, if you be men. Gregory, remember thy swashing blow’.

     Suddenly Benvolio enters and realises what is about to happen, and advises the servants to not continue, ‘Part, fools! Put up your swords; you know not what you do’. There is another sudden entrance made by Tybalt, Lord Capulet’s nephew. He behaves in a contrasting manner to Benvolio and forces him to start fighting as is violence is the only solution to their problem, ‘what, art thou drawn among these heartless hindes? Turn thee Benvolio, look upon thy death’. Tybalt’s words sting Benvolio, as he has been greatly insulted. However Benvolio refuses to change his mind, ‘I do but keep peace. Put up thy sword’.

    Tybalt is a very unreasonable and stubborn character that seems to always depend on physical skills and strength to get him out of certain situations. Tybalt is extremely bitter and deeply insults the Montagues, ‘I hate the word peace, as I hate all Montagues, Have at thee coward’. The brawl soon begins, which soon turns out to be a massive street fight where the citizens also get involved in, ‘Clubs, bills and partisians! Strike! Beat them down’. Lord Capulet and Montague hear the noises of a vicious fight, ‘what noise is this’, and are soon drawn in, ‘Give me my long-sword ho!’ However their wives try to prevent them from going in, ‘Thou shalt not stir one foot to seek a foe’.

Join now!

    The aim of the first scene is to introduce main points, which contribute greatly throughout the play; the violence is made strong even within the servants indicating that the feud between both households is overpowering, uncontrollable and aggressive. Because of this aspect, many other problems occur. A small discussion between Sampson and Gregory turns into a massive fight, involving most of Verona. I think that Shakespeare wanted to express the seriousness of their hatred and how they would react when situations arise.

This is a preview of the whole essay

     Scene one makes the reader think how small words can cause chaos between feuding families. It is quite clear that characters in Romeo and Juliet feel that violence is the only answer to their problems, they do not realise that what they are doing is pointless, they think that as they are men they have to show their physical ability to acquire respect. Shakespeare decides to use strong violence and conflict in the first scene as it leads to bigger consequences throughout the play. Violence and conflict start off the play just like it starts off the problems for Romeo and Juliet.

     Act three, scene once takes place after Romeo and Juliet’s hidden marriage. Benvolio and Mercutio are lurking around the streets of Verona but Benvolio is worried and thinks they should leave in a short matter of time as their presence might cause another fight. Mercutio’s view on this is not the same; he accuses Benvolio of having a bad temper, and starting fights for no apparent reason.

     He claims Benvolio would walk into a tavern and starts a fight with anyone just because he felt like it. ‘God send me no need of thee and by the operation of the second cup draws it on the drawer, when indeed there is no need’. Benvolio is a very reasonable person but Mercutio is the type of person who would go out looking for a fight.

    During this teasing session, Tybalt appears in search of Romeo, as he wants to take his fury out on him. Mercutio begins to mock Tybalt, ‘Here’s my fiddlestick; here zounds, consort!’ Romeo soon arrives but he doesn’t know Tybalt has come looking for him. Romeo wishes not to fight or argue with him, as it will be an insult upon his wife’s family, ‘Tybalt the reason that I have to love thee doth much excuse the appertaining rage to such a greeting; villain am I none’, Mercutio and Tybalt are unaware of anything Romeo says, so they assume Romeo is being a coward. Tybalt adds ‘Romeo, the hate I bear thee can afford no better term than this, thou art a villain’.

     Tybalt being an arrogant, forceful character does not let this go easily. He calls Romeo ‘Boy’ and says that this does not ‘excuse the injuries that thou have done me’, Romeo deliberately tries to avoid conflict submission! Allo stocata carries it away’.  Mercutio cannot believe his ears. Romeo? Backing down? He decides to defend his friend, and he draws his sword. The two begin to fight. Tybalt- “I am for you”, this quote was a typical fencing challenge and it means ‘I am the one who is skilled enough to stab you into pieces.’ They both fight! Romeo tries stopping the fight but somehow Tybalt gets a thrust under Romeo’s arm and wounds Mercutio then runs away. Mercutio has been seriously wounded “I am hurt. A plague o' both your houses! I am sped.” Mercutio says his injury is “not so deep as a well, nor so wide as a church door” but “ask for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a ‘grave’ man.” He also comments on the feud: “A plague on both your houses!” Mercutio page goes to fetch a doctor while Benvolio helps him to a nearby house.

      After a short while Benvolio returns and states that Mercutio is dead “O Romeo, Romeo, brave Mercutio's dead! That gallant spirit hath aspired the clouds, which too untimely here did scorn the earth. Romeo is upset and outraged when Tybalt comes back to the place of the scene Romeo is prepared to fight. Romeo gets the better of Tybalt and stabs him, Tybalt dies.

      Benvolio realizes the enormity of the situation, and decides that this might be a good time for the young lover to leave, “Romeo, away, be gone!” Romeo agrees, and he runs away, leaving a couple of corpses behind. Not so long a wait but then the Citizens arrive asking “Which way ran he that kill'd Mercutio? Tybalt, that murderer, which way ran he?”

     More people curiously arrive such as the Prince, Montague, Capulet, Lady Montague, Lady Capulet, and others. It seems that the word gets around pretty fast in Verona. At this point there are a lot of questions being asked, Prince: “Where are the vile beginners of this fray?” Juliet’s mother, seeing her dead nephew lying there in a pool of blood, demands that the Prince punish some of the Montagues’ blood, in revenge “For blood of ours, shed blood of Montague.” The Prince asks Benvolio who started it. Benvolio explains how Tybalt started it, how Romeo tried to stop it, and how Mercutio was murdered. He also explains how Romeo then lost his temper and fought Tybalt. Lady Capulet does not believe his tale.

     She claims Benvolio is biased: “He is a kinsman to the Montague; Affection makes him false!” She wants Romeo’s death. As Montague reminds him, Romeo's "crime" was exactly the same as the punishment that the Prince had promised, back in Act I, Scene 1. Anyone guilty of fighting was supposed to die. Tybalt fought. So, now Tybalt has died. The prince gradually announces the punishment “And for that offence immediately we do exile him hence:” Romeo is thrown out of the city. The prince also says that “Therefore use none: let Romeo hence in haste, Else, when he's found, that hour is his last. Bear hence this body and attend our will: Mercy but murders, pardoning those that kill.”

     After this cruel and well-deserved announcement the scene ends. This scene has a lot of conflict and surprising actions, which Shakespeare creates to add dramatic irony, suspense, and thrillers to the play.

     Act three, scene one is a great turning point for Romeo; Shakespeare brings down his happiness through violence and conflict. Tybalt’s stubbornness and Mercutio’s continuous teasing cause a lot of trouble for Romeo’s future. I think that Shakespeare shows during this scene that all awful things happen through violence, nothing positive comes from it, and conflict revolves around fait and destiny; it occurs only for a reason.

     Act five, scene three. It is nighttime, and this scene takes place in the local cemetery. Alongside Juliet in her tomb is her arranged fiancé Paris, he has come to say goodbye to Juliet. He explains and says he will come to the tomb every night to lay flowers and mourn “Sweet flower, with flowers thy bridal bed I strew,- The obsequies that I for thee will keep nightly shall be to strew thy grave and weep.” Paris hears a noise: it is a whistle, from his servant. A warning. Paris hides “The boy gives warning something doth approach.” All in due time Romeo and Balthasar arrive, Paris beside watches patiently. “Hold, take this letter; early in the morning, See thou deliver it to my lord and father. Give me the light: upon thy life, I charge thee, Whate'er thou hear'st or seest, stand all-aloof,” Romeo gives his faithful servant a letter. It is addressed to Mr. Montague, from Romeo. He stamps it, and then instructs Balthasar to leave. At this point Balthasar is pretty worried that Romeo might kill himself “Why I descend into this bed of death,” so he stands nearby the tomb.

     “Thus I enforce thy rotten jaws to open, and, in despite, I'll cram thee with more food!” Romeo slowly opens the tomb, as he is doing this Paris is watching carefully, this stage of the process Paris thinks that he is going to vandalise Juliet’s tomb, he also knows that Romeo is meant to be banished from Verona “This is that banish'd haughty Montague,” Paris not knowing the truthful story thinks that it is all Romeo’s fault that Juliet is dead, his reason being that she died of grief and shock for Tybalt.

      When Paris says that Romeo must die, Romeo agrees. He says, ‘Therefore I came hither’. Romeo becomes annoyed and pleads him to leave. Also warns him and sends him a silent threat. ‘By urging me to fury: O, be gone! Stay not, be gone; live, and hereafter say, a madman’s mercy bade thee run away’. Paris doesn’t obey Romeo’s orders leaving Romeo to kill Paris as he gets in the way.

     As Paris gets stabbed and dies he asks to be buried along side Juliet “If thou be merciful, open the tomb, laid me with Juliet” Finally Romeo recognises Paris and puts him in the tomb. Romeo notices at once how Juliet does not really look very dead. He comments on the colour in her cheeks, and on her lips. “Thou art not conquer'd; beauty's ensign yet, is crimson in thy lips and in thy cheeks, and death's pale flag is not advanced there.

    He pulls out his poison from his pocket. He kisses Juliet’s lips and drinks. He falls. He dies. The last words of Romeo are “O true apothecary! Thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss I die.

     At that moment, Friar Lawrence arrives, he discovers Balthasar, who is still hiding in this very crowded graveyard. Friar Lawrence enters the tomb and notices the dead bodies of Paris and Romeo. All in this act Juliet awakes, the plan seems to be tilted on its own head and immediately Friar wants Juliet to come away from the tomb “Hath thwarted our intents. Come, come away.” Juliet does not respond and stays put. Friar Lawrence hears a noise-it is the approaching guards. The Friar realises that if he is found out then his future will be on the line, in all this confusion the Friar leaves Juliet on her own without comprehending the consequences.

       Juliet sees Romeo and tries to take the poison of his lips, “I will kiss thy lips; Haply some poison yet doth hang on them, to make die with a restorative.” This does not seem to work, she hears a watchman coming in the near distance so takes Romeo’s dagger and stabs her-self. She dies. Her last words being “O happy dagger! This is thy sheath; there rust, and let me die.”                                                                                                  All the other characters in this play don’t really understand what is going on; they must seem surprised that Juliet has died twice. The watch arrives with Paris’s page, and sends for the prince. He turns up at the scene hastily, followed by Lord and Lady Capulet. The watch begins to explain all and how Paris and Romeo have died. Everyone except, Lady Montague. Romeo’s mother, it seems, is no longer with us. Mr. Montague explains, “Grief of my son’s exile hath stopped up her breath.” Lady Montague is dead. The Prince asks the guards to “bring forth the parties of suspicion.” Then, Friar Lawrence is asked to say a few words. Instead of saying only a few words Friar Lawrence gives a marathon of a speech thinking that if he keeps talking it my save his life from being taken away. “Give me the letter; I will look on it. Where is the county's page, which raised the watch?”- The Prince reads the letter Romeo had given to Balthasar. As the Prince reads, Paris' servant (the Page) explains how his master and Romeo fought. The Prince announces that the note confirms the story, and also that it mentions the poison Romeo bought. “This letter doth make good the friar's words, their course of love, the tidings of her death:”

     At the very ending of the play the Prince tells Capulet and Montague hat their feud has taken away the lives of Romeo, Juliet, Mercutio and Paris. Capulet-“O brother Montague, give me thy hand: This is my daughter's jointure, for no more can I demand.” Montague replies “But I can give thee more: For I will raise her statue in pure gold; that while Verona by that name is known, There shall no figure at such rate be set as that of true and faithful Juliet.

      They two families pay the price and they finally end the feud and agree to put up statues in memory of their children. Prince says the last words of this exceptionally tragic play “A glooming peace this morning with it brings; the sun, for sorrow, will not show his head: Go hence, to have more talk of these sad things; some shall be pardon'd, and some punished”.

   

Directing Act five, scene three

Out of all the scenes, I feel that the last scene would be an excellent choice as I can use many different types of affects to highlight the feelings and actions of the characters. This scene contains a lot of tragic emotions; heart filling phrases and has a romantic yet quite upsetting tone and mood. To emphasise this, I have to use various sound effects, lighting, different props, settings and costumes. This will allow the scene to become much more dramatic, gaining the audience’s full attention.

    The scene will start off by displaying Juliet’s tomb, the lighting in the room will be dim, but the lighting around her tomb will be bright, this has a great double meaning behind it as it symbolises that she is still alive and not dead like the rest of the people surrounding her. There will be light; melodic music from a piano comforts the dead souls and Juliet’s lively heart. You soon hear light footsteps of a stranger, approaching the tomb, his face is gradually revealed as he starts talking. We find out its Paris, laying down flowers for Juliet.

     The lighting around her tomb becomes dimmer and you can hear the screeches of a violin, Paris all dressed in black stares at Juliet as she lie like a solemn princess, dressed in all white, representing her innocence and virtuousness. Paris continues to talk to her for a period of time. Lurking outside is her lover Romeo. Outside the tomb, it is extremely shadowy and murky, deep sounds of the trumpets are heard, as Romeo is about to enter the room. A soft, tingly sound is produced by the triangle and xylophone. Romeo enters, and Paris unexpectedly hides.

     The music pauses, and the only thing the audience can hear are the discrete sounds of Romeo’s swift footsteps. During this time the entire room is pitch black, but as he travels closer, he spots a radiant glow, directly ahead of him. Romeo is also wearing all white. Sweet sounds of the violin and piano accompany him, as he leans ova Juliet’s tomb and stares at her sleeping peacefully, tears impulsively fall from his eyes and lands on her cheeks.

     Romeo holds Juliet’s hands closely to his heart, and whispers his gentle words into her ears concurrently crying. The brightness of the light increases and Romeo holds up the bottle of poison and then quickly drinks it, as he drinks it, he sees Juliet’s eyes twitching but soon he falls to the floor and dies. The light becomes dim, and after a just a few minutes, Juliet awakes. She sees Romeo, and her face all crawls up, she is in devastation. The music increases in speed and becomes louder, she reacts abruptly and out of pain, she gets hold of the knife and immediately stabs herself…she dies straight away. The music instantly stops and the lights slowly go out, showing the final image of Juliet lying on top of Romeo, both dead.

     I feel that I have used various techniques to fulfil the aims of directing this play. Adding suspense using the music, adding a dramatic tone using the lighting and adding romance with more feeling. I have definitely improved this scene for maximum success.

Romeo and Juliet is undoubtedly a play written around violence and conflict, viewed from this fresh perspective, Shakespeare's tragic drama of the "star-crossed" young lovers is seen to be an extraordinary work. Indeed, Romeo and Juliet was an experimental stage piece at the time of its composition, featuring several radical departures from long-standing conventions, which were conveniently caused by the violence and conflict around them. These innovative aspects of the play, moreover, reinforce and embellish its principal themes.

      The latter include the contrast between love and hate, the correlative use of a light/dark division, the handling of time (as both theme and as structural element), and the well-known status accorded to Fortune and its expression in the dreams, omens and forebodings that signify its tragic conclusion. Violence and conflict has definitely been the underscore in this play, as violence has occurred most frequently, whilst conflict has been discretely flowing throughout, hitting where it hurts most.

      The deaths of young Romeo and Juliet were only caused through aggression and variance, which played with fait and twisted their destiny, to erase the blindness and substituted it with contentment and peace. Shakespeare is trying to make it clear that there is no need for violence when love can overcome, enduring your pride and putting your prejudices to a side can open your eyes to many desirable aspects of life. This is a great mistake the Capulets and Montagues made.

      Violence played its part, conflict wasn’t far behind, they played with Romeo and Juliet’s love, they destroyed many lives and corrupted both families, but at least one affirmative aspect came out of it…the final alliance of both families.

      I feel that I have fully explained each scene carefully, highlighting the parts that contained a lot of violence and conflict, clearly stating the meaning and my own opinions. I have evidently backed up each point made with quotations and then further went in detail by elaborating Shakespeare’s intentions, and how they worked well together. I have expanded on the fact that it was an exceptionally effective play and how I thought ‘violence and conflict’ were definitely central, I also explicated how and why they were central, providing extensive quotations.

      Romeo and Juliet was a play of love and romance, warped in bloodshed and divergence, for never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo…

Violence and Conflict in Romeo and Juliet

Document Details

  • Word Count 3934
  • Page Count 6
  • Subject English

Related Essays

Violence and Conflict in Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet - Violence and conflict

Romeo and Juliet, violence and conflict

Romeo and Juliet, violence and conflict

Home — Essay Samples — Law, Crime & Punishment — Gang Violence — Gang Violence in Romeo and Juliet, a Play by William Shakespeare

test_template

Gang Violence in Romeo and Juliet, a Play by William Shakespeare

  • Categories: Gang Violence Romeo and Juliet William Shakespeare

About this sample

close

Words: 912 |

Published: Oct 31, 2018

Words: 912 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Image of Dr. Oliver Johnson

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

  • 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
  • Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

author

Verified writer

  • Expert in: Law, Crime & Punishment Literature

writer

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

4 pages / 1665 words

2 pages / 925 words

3 pages / 1426 words

4 pages / 1863 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Gang Violence in Romeo and Juliet, a Play by William Shakespeare Essay

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Gang Violence

This same important idea about gang crimes is brought out in my first library article. This article, entitled “FEDS JOIN WAR ON GANGS” from the “Daily News of Los Angeles” on December 17, 2002 and written by Mariel Garza brings [...]

This paper basically deals with the information regarding the victim of sexual harassment where Sexual harassment means any act performed by one or more persons on another without consent. It may include the use of force or [...]

In 2006 East Africa Community Council of Ministers met to discuss the need for regional integration with regard to e-Government and e-Commerce. As a result of this meeting, EAC Task Force on Cyberlaws in close collaboration with [...]

In 1994, Raphael Lemkin termed crimes committed against individuals, not by their capacity as an individual, but because of their membership in a group, as Genocide. The extermination of almost a million of Armenians residing [...]

Cybercrime is emerging as a very serious threat in today’s world. The internet brings happiness to our lives but at the same time, it has some negative sides too. The cybercriminal is always in a search to find out the new ways [...]

Traditional security systems work to avoid crimes as much as possible. Real-time Surveillance gives an opportunity to prevent crimes before they can happen. Implementing security measures are also very time consuming and [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

  • Instructions Followed To The Letter
  • Deadlines Met At Every Stage
  • Unique And Plagiarism Free

essay on violence in romeo and juliet

essay on violence in romeo and juliet

Related Topics

  • Intersectionality
  • Social Issues
  • Overpopulation
  • Arranged Marriage
  • Social Stratification
  • Dumpster Diving
  • Social Problems
  • Immigration

Theme Of Violence In Romeo And Juliet Essay

Academic anxiety?

Get original paper in 3 hours and nail the task

124 experts online

‘Romeo and Juliet’, is a tragic love story, by William Shakespeare written in the year 1954. The play is set in the town of Verona in Italy and is concentrated on two characters in which the title is named from ‘Romeo and Juliet’. The story commences with the conflict between the Capulet’s and the Montague’s Prologue – “Two households, both alike in dignity, in Fair Verona, from ancient grudge break to new mutiny, where civil blood makes civil hands unclean” The immense grudge between both households is apparent straight from the beginning.

Although violence is very apparent throughout Romeo and Juliet, violence is shown in also a subtle and unspoken way. In the opening scene it starts off with Sampson and Gregory who are from the Capulet household using violent words in a sexual way, speaking amongst each other, Sampson replies to Gregory ‘Ay, the heads of the maids, or their maidenheads’ meaning taking the Montague’s maids virginity. Still in act1 scene1 Tybalt says a very important line which is ‘What, drawn, and talk of peace! I hate the word, as I hate hell, all Montague’s, and thee: Have at thee, coward!

I think it gives the audience the right prospective of Tybalt as he is a violent, non-negotiable character and as hell is portrayed as a sinful, abominable, place, so therefore Tybalt is basically saying he would never be civil with a member of the Montague’s for they are the enemy. In act1 scene5, lines 53-91, the ballroom scene. Capulet is angry at Tybalt for wanting to fight with Romeo. This part of the scene is not immensely violent but brings out more of Tybalts angry character. For example Tybalt says ‘Tis he, that villain Romeo. To which Capulet replies ‘Content thee, gentle coz, let him alone.

Which shows that Capulet is trying to keep the peace at the party by letting Romeo stay, as it was an open invite party to which certain Capulet’s could come. Tybalt is so angry but must do as Capulet says so their family doesn’t fall out, even if that means going against his strong hate towards Romeo and other Montague’s. In act3 scene1, the street fight in Verona, there is no intention of having a fight with the Capulet’s as Benvolio quotes ‘I pray thee, good Mercutio, let’s retire. The day is hot, the Capulets abroad, and, if we meet, we shall not scape a brawl; for now, these hot days, is the mad blood stirring.

Benvolio is obviously worried that there is going to be a fight and he tries to persuade Mercutio to get away from the streets, saying in these hot days people will become angry and hot-blooded and not back down. Mercutio accuses Benvolio of being scared to fight. ‘Thou art like one of these fellows that, when he enters the confines of a tavern, claps me his sword upon the table, and says ‘god send me no need of thee’; and by the operation of the second cup draws him on the drawer, when indeed there is no need.

By saying this Mercutio means that Benvolio is like the type of men that slam their swords down on the table and pray to never use it in a violent manner. Soon Benvolio is feeling highly irate and soon spots the capulets ‘By my head, here comes the Capulets. ‘ Tybalt comes looking for Romeo and soon Mercutio starts taunting Tybalt, at first Tybalt tries to ignore Mercutio as it is Romeo he is looking for. Benvolio tries telling them to get out of sight of people as they’ll all be punished if anything was to commence.

Soon Romeo is spotted and yet refuses to fight Tybalt because they are officially family because of his marriage to Juliet. Romeo shows us in this scene that his love for Juliet is so strong he is even willing to love his enemy Tybalt. Because of this Mercutio says to Romeo and then Tybalt ‘O calm dishonourable, vile submission! ‘Alla stoccata’ carries it away. Tybalt, you rat catcher, will you walk with me? ‘ This shows us that Mercutio seems to want to fight with Tybalt. They draw. And as Romeo tries to break them up, Tybalt reaches under Romeo’s arm and stabs Mercutio. Mercutio is dead.

In this part of the scene, you see Romeo’s violent, vicious side of him as he starts fighting with Tybalt even though he is family and knowing that his actions will hurt Juliet, rage and anger takes over him and at full force Romeo beats down and kills Tybalt. In Friar Lawrence’s cell. Romeo finds out that he is to be banished for killing Tybalt. He is distraught at this thought and tells the friar that being banished is the same as death to him. Without Juliet he is nothing. ‘There is no world without the Verona walls. ‘ By saying this he is telling us he would use violence on himself if he had to go without his beloved Juliet.

This may not be interoperated as violence as such, but maybe violent love, as we witness now that Romeo would do anything and everything for Juliet even die for his love for her. In act3 scene 5, lines 103 – end, Juliet’s bedroom. When Juliet’s mother enters the room and sees her tears she assumes they are for the deceased Tybalt. But little does Lady Capulet know that Romeo has just bidding farewell to his sweet wife. So she tells Juliet to stop grieving the most important feature of Juliet’s speech in this scene is ambiguity or double meanings.

When Lady Capulet says that Romeo; by killing Tybalt, has caused Juliet’s grief, she agrees that Romeo has made her sad, and that she would like to get her hands on him. By placing one word – “dead” – between two sentences, Juliet makes her mother think she wants Romeo dead, while really saying that her heart is dead because of him. .Then lady Capulet says ‘we will have vengeance for it, fear thou not:’ so here Lady Capulet is showing the rivalry and hatred between the Montague’s and Capulets. Showing that just because one of the Capulets has been murdered there has to be revenge on the Montague’s.

By this we can tell that the Capulet’s think they have to be even with the Montague’s so if violence is forced upon them they must fight back and not sort it out civilly. They must get even through violence. Capulet contrasts Paris’s merits as a husband with Juliet’s immature objections. He says that Paris is “Of fair demesnes, youthful and nobly lined” and “stuffed… with honourable parts”. He calls his daughter a “wretched puling fool” and a “whining mammet”, before sarcastically mimicking her objections to the match: “I cannot love… I am too young”.

The audience knows of course that she can and does love, but it is Romeo she loves and cannot be forced to love another. Also, when Capulet becomes angry, he uses language inventively – so the adjective proud becomes both verb and noun: “proud me no prouds”. And finally, he reminds us of his power over Juliet by speaking of her as if she were a thoroughbred horse, which he can sell at will – “fettle your fine joints”, he says, meaning that she must prepare herself for marriage. claims that Juliet is proud: she insists that she is not, and Capulet repeats the word as evidence of her “chopt-logic” or splitting hairs.

These insults may seem mild or funny today, but were far more forceful in the 16th Century: “green-sickness carrion”, “tallow-face”, “baggage… wretch” and “hilding”. The grave yard in Verona. At the start of this scene Paris is visiting Juliet’s grave. At this time Romeo enters the graveyard, Paris hears him coming and hides in the darkness. After Romeo has started to open the coffin of Juliet Paris pops out and blames Romeo for killing Juliet’ cousin and that he shouldn’t be here because he is banished. Paris shows violence towards Romeo by calling him a ‘vile Montague.

This shows that Paris shows Romeo no mercy because he is a Montague. Romeo says to Paris ‘put not another sin on my head, by urging me to fury: O be gone! ‘ By this he means that he doesn’t want Paris to temp him to commit another crime. Or in other words, killing him. But Paris still encourages him, so he and Romeo fight a pointless fight. Showing the audience that they still have a lot hate for each other’s families even after Juliet, the girl who they both loved had just ‘died. ‘ When Romeo eventually kills Paris, Paris says that he wants die next to Juliet.

This shows the audience that Paris actually did have a heart and may have even loved Juliet as much as Romeo did. So Romeo then laid Paris next to Juliet and then begins to make a long speech for Juliet. In this he apologises to the deceased Tybalt. Now he is starting to realise just what he has done because it’s resulted in his only love being ‘dead. ‘ So he drinks the poison and lies next to Juliet and dies. This self-inflicted violence shocks the audience and shows that Romeo acted very dramatically to Juliet’s death. He didn’t think about any consequences of his violent actions throughout the whole play including this one.

This essay was written by a fellow student. You may use it as a guide or sample for writing your own paper, but remember to cite it correctly . Don’t submit it as your own as it will be considered plagiarism.

Need custom essay sample written special for your assignment?

Choose skilled expert on your subject and get original paper with free plagiarism report

Theme Of Violence In Romeo And Juliet Essay. (2018, Feb 25). Retrieved from https://artscolumbia.org/explore-theme-violence-romeo-juliet-42793/

More related essays

Explain How Shakespeare Creates Dramatic Tension In Act Three Scene Five Essay

Different views of love in Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet starts with Romeo ‘lovesick’ over a woman called Rosaline Essay

Mercutio is a unique character in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet Essay

How does Shakespeare create excitement and tension in Act 3 Scene 1? Essay

Very famous play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare Essay

The True Love of Romeo and Juliet

How does Shakespeare Present Love in Romeo and Juliet Essay

Our feeling for juliet is constantly one of pity Essay

essay on violence in romeo and juliet

Hi, my name is Amy 👋

In case you can't find a relevant example, our professional writers are ready to help you write a unique paper. Just talk to our smart assistant Amy and she'll connect you with the best match.

  • Newsletters
  • Help Center
  • Things to Do
  • Arts & Culture
  • Events in Atlanta
  • Georgia Entertainment Scene
  • 50 Years of Atlanta Hip Hop
  • Black History Month

Fresh faces bring new passion to Shakespeare Tavern’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’

The iconic young lovers in Atlanta Shakespeare Company production of "Romeo and Juliet" are memorably played by Tommy Sullivan-Lovett and Golbanoo Setayesh. It continues at Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse through March 3.

Credit: Photo by Jeff Watkins

This story was originally published by ArtsATL .

No matter how old the rest of us get, “Romeo and Juliet” stay the same age. Because we as an audience evolve, our perspective on the doomed lovers’ tale can shift, as every new version of the tragedy sparks different ideas.

With Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse’s newest production of ”Romeo and Juliet,” onstage through March 3, the play feels energized, fresh and lively for a variety of reasons. For one thing, the casting is excellent and inventive. The direction by Olivia Dawson seems to underline moments and scenes in the script in a way that reads age-old moments differently.

People familiar with the story may feel more inclined to protect these two giddy, naive and doomed children from their fate. New audiences, meanwhile, will relate to the young lovers, who are ably played by Tommy Sullivan-Lovett and Golbanoo Setayesh.

Tyren Duncan, right, as Mercutio -- shown in a scene with Romeo (Tommy Sullivan-Lovett) -- brings a fresh approach to his character that "is very fun, full of swagger and then bitter spite," critic Benjamin Carr writes.

Here, the two characters seem younger and less prepared to face the harshness of the world. Though they are aware of their family’s feud, which causes violence on the streets of Verona, young Montague and Capulet lead sheltered lives at the play’s opening, him pining for a girl named Rosaline and her preparing for her 14th birthday.

And love is dangerous, fleeting. Passion has a price. And Romeo and Juliet are too eager for experience to begin. So they both go to that costume party, and they flirt precariously on that balcony. And no one really tells them how much it can hurt if you fall.

Sullivan-Lovett’s Romeo is all adolescent frustration and eager pining in the fun first act. First, the character is heartbroken and sulking, his voice breaking through puberty as he romanticizes new love perpetually. Setayesh has an enthusiastic speed in her line delivery, an excited spring in her step. The effect of both performers’ affectations is amazing, providing the whole half with a glee that comes with youth. They are funny and lively. The roles feel new.

This may emerge from the brilliant innovation of the Atlanta Shakespeare Company’s casting. Sullivan-Lovett, a transgender actor, and Setayesh, a first-generation American of Iranian descent, embrace their opportunities to tell this tale with fervor, and the energy is palpable.

The canon belongs to all of us, not just a privileged few, and young performers with new perspectives express feelings and ideas in diverse ways we all need to see. Shakespeare likely considered that in 1597 when he first appropriated this tale from its original Italian author and cast his team of White, cisgender male actors in every role on the stage. Innovation is the key to bringing new audiences to theater.

Of note among the performers is Mila Bolash, left, having a blast as the saucy Nurse.

Also of note among the performers, Mila Bolash is having a blast as the saucy Nurse, more maternal and attentive to Juliet than the character’s own mother. Patrick Tansor brings a booming voice and tenderness to Friar Laurence, excited about his potions and experiments in a way that blinds the character to how bumbling and faulty some of his machinations are. As the chief confidantes and most complicit conspirators, the pair fare well.

Tyren Duncan’s fresh approach to Mercutio is very fun, full of swagger and then bitter spite. His delivery of the plague curse is great. And Sarah Hack does good work as Benvolio, who encourages Romeo toward calamity in the name of romance.

One scene of this production rings differently from other iterations, and it led to a new understanding of the characters’ stakes. After Romeo is banished from Verona in the wake of a bloody battle, Juliet is disowned by her brutal father, Lord Capulet — played by understudy O’Neil Delapenha in the performance attended for review — for not agreeing to marry the attractive yet silly Paris (Trevor Poli). The way the scene played, it underlined that the same ruinous punishments are delivered to the young couple after Romeo acts so impulsively. For a privileged young man to be destroyed, he must be cast from society, while a teenage girl can be just as destroyed by a whim.

In the second act, as the violent ends play out, the emotional peaks occur early, which gives performers not much variation to play within weeping histrionics. But, by then, we’re already invested.

The production is solid in its design, and the fresh faces in the cast, new to the Tavern, infuse the show with a new energy. It feels urgent. Though the story has been told before many times, this show has new passion.

THEATER REVIEW

“Romeo and Juliet” presented by Atlanta Shakespeare Company through March 3. Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse, 499 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-874-5299, shakespearetavern.com

Benjamin Carr is an ArtsATL editor-at-large who has contributed to the publication since 2019 and a member of the American Theatre Critics Association, the Dramatists Guild, the Atlanta Press Club and the Horror Writers Association. His writing has been featured in podcasts for iHeartMedia, onstage as part of the Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Short Play Festival and online in The Guardian. His debut novel, Impacted, was published by The Story Plant.

ArtsATL logo

Credit: ArtsATL

MEET OUR PARTNER

ArtsATL ( www.artsatl.org ), is a nonprofit organization that plays a critical role in educating and informing audiences about metro Atlanta’s arts and culture. Founded in 2009, ArtsATL’s goal is to help build a sustainable arts community contributing to the economic and cultural health of the city.If you have any questions about this partnership or others, please contact Senior Manager of Partnerships Nicole Williams at [email protected] .

About the Author

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Tom Holland’s sold-out Romeo and Juliet play sparks ticket pricing controversy

author image

Share this with

Tom Holland

After hours of queuing, Tom Holland ’s new West End production of William Shakespeare ’s Romeo and Juliet totally sold out within two hours.

Before general sale had even begun, huge numbers of fans were queuing to get their chance to see Spider-Man swap his web-slinging for soliloquies.

The 27-year-old actor’s return to the stage was swamped as over 60,000 people attempted to see Marvel’s golden child in his 12 weeks starring as the ill-fated Romeo.

It’s no surprise the show sold out quickly as The Duke of York’s Theatre, where Romeo and Juliet will take place, only has a capacity of 650 seats per show.

However, fans are not happy as they spotted some changes to ticket prices after complaining that the queue had been stalled for a long time.

It seems ATG, who were selling the tickets, decided to use dynamic pricing and boosted the cost of seats by at least £20 as fans blindly waited to be allowed access.

Tom Holland in Romeo & Juliet on the West End

The queue opened at 8am on Tuesday, February 13, for those who had registered for priority access with ATG Tickets – but it seems the priority booking was rather oversubscribed.

The actor even began to trend on X as tens of thousands attempted to get tickets to the play, which will start its run from Saturday, May 11, until Saturday, August 3 2024.

Within one hour of the queue being open, one fan spotted that the prices had changed for certain in-demand seats and posted pictures to prove it.

Going by Lys on X, she tweeted: ‘ATG JUST RAISED THE PRICE OF ROMEO & JULIET! 💀 Within one hour of queue like wtf??’

This meant before the general sale had even begun, while 40,000 people were still waiting to get their tickets, ATG raised the prices from £145 to £165 for the royal circle and stalls.

ATG JUST RAISED THE PRICE OF ROMEO & JULIET! 💀 within one hour of queue like wtf?? see pics: old vs new price pic.twitter.com/f3HWBupUv2 — lys (@elyse) February 13, 2024

More tickets had been released amid the pricing shift as one fan explained to Lys but she responded ‘They did raise the price, not just changed the colour coding :) see the yellow ones in royal circle row C — same seats, different price.’

She continued: ‘I think it’s unacceptable to start dynamic pricing when general booking hasn’t even opened.’

Others vented about the dynamic pricing decision – an already controversial ticket tool which allows companies to boost the cost for in demand shows.

‘ATG would have known this was going to be a hot ticket but to add £30 on top of an already pricey ticket before general sale has even opened is taking the p**s,’ wrote Hayley Sprout.

Tom Holland

Dr Emily Garside shared: ‘I had no horse (spider) in this race but this kind of dynamic pricing is appalling. Pricing people out, making theatre in accessible- it’s no good having a handful of ‘cheap’ (sorry £30 isn’t ‘cheap’) tickets if most of your tickets are £100 plus.’

The entire sale had already been criticised for its poor handling of demand, which saw Eras Tour and Glastonbury levels of insanity as fans rushed for tickets.

One disgruntled fan, Cat Reid, tweeted: ‘Not quite understanding the point of a presale when the population of Liechtenstein has signed up for it? 40,000 people to battle through to get tickets for Tom Holland’s Romeo and Juliet is insane😭.’

Jaymi Niall added: ‘Trying to get Tom Holland Rome & Juliet tickets. I had 21k in front of me on my phone so that was quickly scrapped.’

been in the tom holland romeo & juliet queue for an hour already and there’s still 21k people ahead of me 😭 pic.twitter.com/KgUvyFR5sE — niamh (@xniamhamelia) February 13, 2024
snatching tom holland tickets like the eras tour tickets pic.twitter.com/D4kt2yWUHs — Mel ‘ㅅ’ (@melissxlee02) February 13, 2024
Still another 10,000 in front of me in this Romeo and Juliet queue I’m praying to the gods of Tom Holland I get some 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/DmzSM9Ikzh — karl 🪩 (@karldenniss) February 13, 2024

Some fans did appear to be successful in securing seats, as Minny Futto tweeted: ‘I got tickets to see Tom Holland in Romeo and Juliet!!! I now feel more motivated in writing the essays for my Shakespeare module 🙌🏻❤️’

Can you still get tickets for Tom Holland’s Romeo and Juliet play?

According to the official Romeo and Juliet London website , the show is now entirely sold out so there are unfortunately no tickets left.

The Duke of York’s Theatre has not yet addressed the mass of people who attempted – and failed – to get tickets.

The box office for the show simply says sold out, with no indication of if the show may be extended, although this would likely be without their leading Marvel man.

Currently, the show is advertised to run for eight shows a week – six evenings, two matinees – for 12 weeks, totalling around 62,000 seats across the entire production.

Tom Holland

Ticket prices ranged – after dynamic pricing – from £45 to £145, with few seats below the £95 mark within an hour of the priority sale.

There were said to be 10,000 tickets priced at £25 and under, with half of those made available exclusively for those under 30s, key workers, and those receiving government benefits, to be released later.

At the Duke of York’s Theatre, there are plenty of stalls seats – although beware the further back you sit there is the overhang of the balcony above which may restrict views.

The balcony and upper circle both have six rows each with around 18 to 20 seats per row.

What else do we know about Tom Holland in Romeo and Juliet?

After his success as one of Marvel’s leading men , Tom is returning to his home on London ’s stages – where he made his debut performances as Billy Elliot in the late 2000s.

Tom Holland

He was spotted by the show’s choreographer and after two years of training in ballet, tap dancing and acrobatics, joined the production in 2008 as Billy Elliot’s best friend.

Later in the year, he took the titular role and stayed there for two years before heading to Hollywood – it was five years and many minor roles later he was cast as Spider-Man.

Very little is known about Tom’s epic return to the West End, other than he will appear as star-crossed lover Romeo in the new production, directed by the Jamie Lloyd Company.

The Cherry star, whose  famous dad recently had fans shocked , announced his casting via his Instagram account, sharing a picture of the production’s poster and the Jamie Lloyd Company logo.

He accompanied this with a simple instruction: ‘Sign up now. Link in bio.’

Tom Holland

Meanwhile, the Duke of York’s Theatre shared the news in an Instagram post of their own which garnered thousands of likes.

‘Tom Holland is Romeo in Jamie Lloyd’s pulsating new vision of Shakespeare’s immortal tale of wordsmiths, rhymers, lovers and fighters,’ the announcement read.

British theatre director Jamie Lloyd is best known for his recent production of Sunset Blvd, starring Nicole Scherzinger, and A Doll’s House with Jessica Chastain.

‘Tom Holland is one of the greatest, most exciting young actors in the world. It is an honour to welcome him back to the West End,’ he praised of the Marvel star.

The rest of the cast is yet to be announced, with Juliet still unnamed next to Tom’s superhero might.

All the production has revealed is the haunting tagline: ‘Violent delights have violent ends.’

Metro.co.uk has reached out to the theatre and ATG for comment.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Tom Holland fans can’t believe who his famous dad is

MORE : Tom Holland’s 7-figure pay cheque for Avengers nearly went to wrong actor

MORE : Tom Holland didn’t pay water bill for years because he genuinely thought it was free

Showbiz

Get us in your feed

IMAGES

  1. Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet, is more about violence than love

    essay on violence in romeo and juliet

  2. The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet (300 Words)

    essay on violence in romeo and juliet

  3. ⭐ What is the conflict in romeo and juliet. Romeo And Juliet Conflict

    essay on violence in romeo and juliet

  4. Romeo and Juliet conflicts essay

    essay on violence in romeo and juliet

  5. Love and Conflict in Romeo And Juliet.

    essay on violence in romeo and juliet

  6. Romeo and Juliet conflicts essay

    essay on violence in romeo and juliet

VIDEO

  1. Romeo and Juliet and Gang Violence: Group 9

  2. Romeo and Juliet Essay

  3. The Tragic Tale of Romeo and Juliet's Forbidden Love

  4. Romeo + Juliet Inspired Me to Become a Filmmaker

  5. THREE Quotes You Can Use In ANY Romeo & Juliet GCSE English Essay.. On JULIET’S CHARACTER!

  6. THREE Quotes You Can Use In ANY Romeo and Juliet GCSE Essay

COMMENTS

  1. Love and Violence Theme in Romeo and Juliet

    By connecting love with pain and ultimately with suicide, Shakespeare suggests that there is an inherent sense of violence in many of the physical and emotional facets of expressing love—a chaotic and complex emotion very different from the serene, idealized sweetness it's so often portrayed as being.

  2. Violence in 'Romeo and Juliet': Essay

    Violence is an important concept in William Shakespeare's play 'Romeo and Juliet' as the two families act out their hate by adopting brutal means. Tensions, violence, brawls, deaths, and clashes not only drive the plot of the play but also give the reader an idea of how normalized violence, death, and honor killings were at that time.

  3. The Violence And Conflict Of Romeo And Juliet English Literature Essay

    Violence and conflict in central to Romeo and Juliet because a fight has broken out onto the streets by a rude gesture, on the other hand violence and conflict may not be central to Romeo and Juliet because Benvolio tried to keep peace within the two families. Lord Montague and Lord Capulet are the head of their family and house.

  4. The Causes of Violence in "Romeo and Juliet": A Romance Tarnished

    Violence in Romeo and Juliet Romeo and Juliet is often thought to be a play about enduring love, the romantic ideal of lovers everywhere. However, what many casual readers of the play fail to realize is that while the play encapsulates love, the main theme of the piece is the violence and chaos encompassing Verona.

  5. Romeo and Juliet Quotes: Violence

    Violence. Previous Next. My naked weapon is out. Quarrel, I will back thee. (1.1.) The action of Romeo and Juliet opens with Samson boasting that he is a violent man. When some Montague servants appear, he draws his sword and asks his companion Gregory to start a quarrel that might lead to a fight.

  6. Violence and Conflict are Central Themes in Romeo and Juliet

    This essay considers some of the ways that violence and conflict are central to Romeo and Juliet with particular reference to Act III scene 1. Romeo and Juliet begins with the Prologue, a speech made by an actor (or 'chorus') before the main play begins.

  7. How is male aggression explored in Romeo and Juliet?

    Expert Answers Scott David, M.A. | Certified Educator Share Cite Romeo and Juliet is a play about the tempestuousness of emotions, reflected in its treatment of both love and hatred. Violence...

  8. How Does Shakespeare Portray The Theme Of Violence In Romeo and Juliet

    Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet in 1594 in the Elizabethan era when violence, torchering people and fighting was in people's daily routines. Dualling was commonplace to end family feuds.

  9. Violence In Romeo And Juliet Essay

    Violence In Romeo And Juliet Essay 594 Words3 Pages In the play, Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare, violence is a big key point. Quarrels between the Montague's and the Capulet's are led to many of the characters' deaths. Romeo and Juliet were obviously in love with each other, but their feuding families shortly ended this love fantasy.

  10. How Does Shakespeare Portray The Theme Of Violence In Romeo and Juliet

    Essay Sample: Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet in 1594 in the Elizabethan era when violence, torchering people and fighting was in people's daily routines. ... explored the theme of Violence through the many characters and storylines that are woven through the scenes of Romeo and Juliet. We see violence in every part of dramatic structure ...

  11. Violence and Conflict in Romeo and Juliet

    The image of violence being so unfair exists prominently in the deaths of so many of the cast. We see the two obvious images of the tragid death of Romeo and Juliet. Their young, pure lives are brought to a despicable end through the violence around them 'Romeo and Juliet' was written between 1594 and 1596.

  12. The Conflict In Romeo And Juliet English Literature Essay

    Throughout Romeo and Juliet the theme of conflict is conveyed in many forms, mostly through physical violence; reflected in the era of the Renaissance where there was political turmoil and many European nations were at war.

  13. Gang Violence in Romeo and Juliet, a Play by William Shakespeare

    William Shakespeare's classic tragedy Romeo and Juliet is rife with examples of gang violence and its horrible consequences. Even back when the play was written gangs roamed the streets and families feuded over long forgotten slights.

  14. Violence In Romeo And Juliet

    In the play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, love leaders to much violence and unhappiness. In the play, two star crossed lovers fall in love, face death and experience tragedy within a number of days. In the streets of Verona, Romeo and Juliet's love causes a lot of violence, and involved many people. 563 Words.

  15. Violence In Romeo And Juliet Essay

    In Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, is about a long-standing hatred between two families, Montagues and Capulets that erupts into new violence, and citizen's stain their hands with the blood of their fellow citizens. Two unlucky children, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet of these enemy families fall in love and commit suicide.

  16. Theme Of Violence In Romeo And Juliet Essay

    Theme Of Violence In Romeo And Juliet Essay 'Romeo and Juliet', is a tragic love story, by William Shakespeare written in the year 1954. The play is set in the town of Verona in Italy and is concentrated on two characters in which the title is named from 'Romeo and Juliet'.

  17. Romeo and Juliet: A+ Student Essay

    It's true that Romeo and Juliet have some spectacularly bad luck. Tybalt picks a fatal fight with Romeo on the latter's wedding day, causing Capulet to move up the wedding with Paris. The crucial letter from Friar Lawrence goes missing due to an ill-timed outbreak of the plague. Romeo kills himself mere moments before Juliet wakes up.

  18. Violence In Romeo And Juliet Essay

    Shakespeare uses violence in Romeo and Juliet to show how disastrous hatred is. Two star-crossed lovers are pulled apart by the hatred of their families, resulting in their deaths. Shakespeare exaggerates how one person's distaste can affect a whole town. Romeo Montague crashes his rival Capulet's party.

  19. Romeo and Juliet Act 3: Scene 1 Summary & Analysis

    Analysis. The sudden, fatal violence in the first scene of Act 3, as well as the buildup to the fighting, serves as a reminder that, for all its emphasis on love, beauty, and romance, Romeo and Juliet still takes place in a masculine world in which notions of honor, pride, and status are prone to erupt in a fury of conflict.

  20. Violence In Romeo And Juliet Essay

    Settings Filter Results In the love story of "Romeo and Juliet", violence has an immense affect that determines certain outcomes in the story. Even today, a great deal of violence is going on everywhere for reasons that no one can explain. Many people can connect this violence that has been going on to the story of "Romeo and Juliet".

  21. Violence In Romeo And Juliet Essay

    Consequences Of Violence In Romeo And Juliet Essay 745 Words | 3 Pages. Tybalt is a member of the Capulet family, and he is killed by Romeo after Tybalt killed Romeo's friend Mercutio. The killing of Tybalt leads to Romeo's banishment, which then leads to Juliet wanting to fake her death so she can run off with Romeo. When Romeo thinks that ...

  22. "Romeo and Juliet" Essay Introduction Free Essay Example

    Romeo And Juliet: Expository Essay. Romeo and Juliet, by Shakespeare, is a play which shows how prejudice leads to escalating violence. Prejudice leads to violence shown in the play when the feuding families, the Montagues and Capulets fight. In each case, disruption, fighting, injuries and death occur.

  23. Violence Against Women Throughout Romeo and Juliet Love Story

    Mercutio is expressing that Romeo's love is just brought on by sexual frustration, which questions a perfect relationship between the two lovers. This concept of toxic masculinity is like a taboo in society, the conversation is shut down, because of the weakness of vulnerability and fear. However, violence against women needs to be discussed ...

  24. The Fight To Eliminate Romeo and Juliet In High Schools

    William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet 1997 Pages: 3 (856 words) Design and development to eliminate piston bore oversize Pages: 8 (2314 words) Alcohol Abuse And Addiction Should Eliminate In Society Pages: 4 (913 words) Shakespeare's Language Makes Romeo and Juliet's Fight Scene Dramatic Pages: 10 (2862 words)

  25. Fresh faces bring new passion to Shakespeare Tavern's 'Romeo and Juliet'

    With Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse's newest production of "Romeo and Juliet," onstage through March 3, the play feels energized, fresh and lively for a variety of reasons. For one thing, the ...

  26. Tom Holland's sold-out Romeo and Juliet play sparks ticket pricing

    Tom is Romeo in a new West End production from Jamie Lloyd (Picture: Instagram/RomeoJulietLDN) The queue opened at 8am on Tuesday, February 13, for those who had registered for priority access ...

  27. The Character's Physical Bodies Portrayed Through The ...

    As argued by Swain , the film becomes 'more social tragedy than Romeo and Juliet' as discrimination replaces fate. Although there are many significant changes from the original play, the film 'provides dramatically credible and musical equivalents of Shakespeare's literary techniques' and successfully 'captures his central themes.

  28. The Tragic Love Story Between Romeo and Juliet

    Essay Sample: Romeo and Juliet, a play by William Shakespeare revolves around the tragic love story between Romeo, the young heir of the Montagues, and Juliet, the ... When the prince arrives all things are silenced as the prince is not in favor of the violence. Get quality help now. Writer Lyla . Verified writer. Proficient in: Free Essays.