"The tragedy in Romeo and Juliet arises primarily because the old force their will on the young." To what extent do you agree with the statement? Support your answer with details from the play.
-central theme-conflict between e two main families
-old(Lords and ladies of each house) impose their will on the young
Tybalt holding a grudge against R.
=Out of loyalty to his family, willing to remove any and all Montagues that might pose a threat- ADAMANT LOYALTY(A1S5)-"By the stock and honor of my kin to strike [Romeo] dead is not a sin"- Implies that he is bound towards the age-old tradition of being antagonistic towards the Monts.
=Tybalt. Follows through with his promise of vengeance and seeks out to fight him(A3S3) "Romeo, the love I can bear thee can afford no better term than this. Thou art a villain "- shows their rivalry
=if not for blind loyalty towards his family, T's life would not have ended in tragedy.
Cap. Forcing J, to marry P.
Loses his temper and explodes at J for refusing to marry P. vs. (A1S2) "my will to her consent is but a part... lies my fair according voice"
turns out to be "An you be mine...an you be not, hang beg, starve,doe in the streets, for by my word I'll never acknowledge thee"
His repetitive use of "MINE" emphasizes to the audience that he thinks J is an object to him to order around freely and control.
Forces J to take the potion after seemingly apologizing for "disobedient opposition", which due to many mis-timings- ends in suicide.
Audience- different outcome possible? If Cap didn't snap at J? = horrible consequence of imposing wills on the young
Feud sustained by the adults
(A1S5) Lovers discover that they are sworn enemies. Despite the love they have, hindered by the feud " my life is in my foes debt"{Romeo}
"My only love sprung from my only hate."{Juliet}
=THE TWO FORBIDDEN LOVERS ARE FORCED AND PUSHED TO THE EXTREME OF CONTINUING THEIR RELATIONSHIP IN THE SECRET FOR FEAR OF BEING FOUND OUT AND ULTIMATELY,THEIR DEATHS.