Themes in Romeo and Juliet

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• Mercutio: “O clam, dishonorable, vile submission!”(Line 66) Mercutio insulting tone reveals his fury that Romeo won’t fight Tybalt. It suggests that Mercutio believes manhood is shown through conflict, and that by Romeo being peaceable to Tybalt, he is undervaluing his and his friend’s manhood

- Benvolio: Romeo could not make peace with the “unruly spleen of Tybalt deaf to peace.” This metaphor suggest that Tybalt’s fiery anger could not be stopped because he was so consumed by it that he could no longer be rational.

- Paris: Paris confront Romeo as they both arrive at Juliet’s crypt. In a confrontational tone, he ask, “Can violence be pursued further than death?” Paris demands that Romeo consider the effects of conflict of the innocent of the feud between the Montagues and the Capulets is a pointless death.

- Paris: (Act 5, Sc 3) when the prince passes judgment on the enemies Capulet and Montagues, he says “See what a scourge is laid upon your hate, that heaven found means to kill you joys with love!” The paradox in this statement is that while these families have said they hate each other, the people who have suffered are their own innocent children, who loved each other. The Prince highlights the devastating and more broadly on society

What we know about violence:

- Violence is never the answer

- Violence leads to innocent people getting hurt

- Conflict leads to devastating consequences

- Conflict destroys families

- Human relationships can be affected by violence

- Violence may affect individuals as well as the society at large

- Violence is a catalyst for more violence so that is never stops