The Story Romeo and Juliet

In the story Romeo and Juliet, many different conflicts arise. The most prominent one, however, is human versus society. There are conflicts between humans, such as between Mercutio and Tybalt. There are also human versus self conflicts, as with Romeo's desire to kill himself for his inability to be with Juliet--but human versus society is the strongest example. This is true because the reason Romeo and Juliet cannot be together is because their families have a long-standing hatred of each other. The Capulets and Montagues are fighting and their society prevents the young lovers from being together. Romeo and Juliet would not have died if the families had not been feuding. Love knows no limits--Romeo and Juliet died for their love, but did it have to happen?

The first example of human versus society is when Romeo and Benvolio help the Clown with the invitations. The Clown says, "My master is the great rich Capulet, and if you be not of the house of Montagues I pray come and crush a cup of wine," (I ii 82-83). This shows the two families, or, societies, Capulets and Montagues are in conflict. The only people who are not allowed to come to the party are people of the house of Montague. Romeo is being invited because he is part of their society, not because of his merits as an individual. In reality, this example is more society versus society, as it is two groups that are in conflict. If, however, it were only one person individualized, as in the case of Romeo, it is human versus society. Although it is not emphasized, this planned exclusion may be part of the reason Romeo and his friends go to the party, to get back at the Capulets and to spite them. The reason that is established by Shakespeare is that Benvolio wants to help Romeo get over Rosaline, his ex, but they could be going to the masquerade to cause some trouble. Benvolio is a pacifist, but Mercutio definitely is not. Once he heard about the party, he would have been itching to cause some trouble.

A second example of human versus society is during the party itself. Romeo is spotted by Tybalt, who rushes and tells Capulet, saying, "Uncle, this is a Montague, our foe: A villain that is hither come in spite to scorn at our solemnity this night," (I v 59-61). He means that Romeo is only there to cause trouble and should be kicked out. This shows that Romeo, being a Montague, should be thrown out because of a stereotype. He had done nothing wrong--other than sneak into the party. To say the least, Tybalt does not want Romeo there. Capulet, however, decides otherwise. For the sake of not interrupting the party, he decides to allow Romeo to stay. If not for Capulet's stopping Tybalt, Romeo would have been thrown out with no discourse. Capulet also decided, in the spirit of the night, not to judge Romeo as Montague but as Romeo. He says that he is told Romeo is a gentleman and that he will "be endured."

Finally, one last example