A major theme of Romeo and Juliet is that sometimes in life Love can be a force for good
and bad. How does Shakespeare use the
Character vs. Self conflict with Romeo in Act I to
support this theme?

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Explanation:

During 1591 and 1595, William Shakespeare wrote the play “Romeo and Juliet” set in thirteenth century Verona. As one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays out of thirty-eight, it tells of the tragedy of two star-crossed lovers who meet and fall in love. However, as pure as their love is, in the end everything goes wrong because of the bitter feud between the two houses, Montague and Capulet.

The sixteenth century play explores how conflict causes verbal, physical and emotional conflict. The Elizabethan play explores the link between the effects of the character’s relationship through conflict. Conflict is an important theme in the play as it creates drama to keep the audience interested. Many of the scenes contain various conflicts such as Act 3 scene 1, Act 3 scene 2, Act 4 scene 2 and Act 5 scene 3.

In Act 3 scene 1, Shakespeare explores the nature and aftermath of conflict through Mercutio and Tybalt hubris showing it has an effect of drama and rage on the characters. For example, Mercutio says,” Tybalt you rat-catcher, will you walk?”

This shows an attempt to lower Tybalt’s pride. The reason for this sudden outburst is because of Romeo’s refusal to fight because he is married to Juliet therefore he does not want to fight his cousin in law. Mercutio tries to protect Romeo’s pride by challenging Tybalt to a duel.

Although the brawl between Tybalt and Mercutio is to demean each other’s pride, the main reason is to stand up for Romeo, Mercutio’s friend. As a prestigious young man, Mercutio is egotistical in his ways causing him to challenge people especially Tybalt who he finds arrogant and annoying.

The phrase “Will you walk” is a conventional phrase meaning let’s go someplace where we can settle this. Although Mercutio doesn’t want to “Walk” anyplace-he wants to fight Tybalt in the street. This is driven by Mercutio’s short-temper and hubris.