Romeo:
Internal Conflict
The past does not need to define the future.
Act 1, Scene 5
Romeo, just getting over heartbreak is talked into going to a party to cheer up.At this celebration Romeo and Juliet meet and have an instant connection.But later he figures out that his 'True Love' is " a Capulet, that is a heavy price to pay!My life is in the hands of my enemies"(1061, Line 130-132).Romeo's internal conflicts begin here, because he realises that Juliet is the daughter of his family's enemy.Romeo choosesto seek out love instead of letting a family feud get in the way
Act 2 Scene 3
Romeo faces his next challenge after his best friend is killed. Mercutio and Tybalt duel and the fight ends in Mercutio's death.Romeo is so enraged he kills Tybalt Capulet, then realising what he has done hides.Juliet after hearing that Romeo has killed her cousin sends the Nurse to seek out Romeo.Romeo is with Friar Lawrence in complete misery over what he has done.The Nurse approaches Romeo and he sobs "Spakest thou of Juliet? Doth not she think of me a murderer, with blood removed from her own"(Shakespeare 1058).Romeo although he knows killing Tybalt was justified, is now miserable because he thinks Juliet believes him to be a murderer.
Act 5 Scene 1
Romeo seeks out an apothecary to buy poison.When questioned why he wants the poison Romeo just offers him gold saying "...Gold doing more murders in this loathesome world"(Shakespeare 1089).Romeo blames his and Juliet's social status for her death.Romeo and Juliet both came from wealthy families and the family feud was most likely caused by money.Romeo is torn between loving his family because of all they provided for him and hating them because their wealth is the reason him and Juliet could not be together.Romeo believed that the past did not need to define the future.
Theme: Act 5 Scene 5
After the death of Romeo and Juliet the families of the two mourn.Prince Esculas, after observing the situation declares "See what scourge is laid upon your hate... The heavens found means to kill your joys through love"(Shakespeare 335).The Montagues and Capulets become aware that their hatred is the reason for their children's deaths, and decide to never let the past define the future again.