Conflict

 

I believe one of the most prevalent conflicts within Romeo and Juliet is based around the conundrum of individuality. Within the play, the characters are specifically attempting to define themselves from their families, fighting against extreme conformity, manipulation and influence to establish themselves as unique adults. Juliet in particular struggles with this conflict, manifesting within both her actions and the subtle nuances of her behavior. For instance, in the balcony scene, between professing her love for Romeo she frequently indulges impulses to go inside of her house. This quiet detail shows her as an immature individual, too naive and innocent to be faced with the difficult and mature decisions she will soon be presented with. However, as the passion between her and her bold counterpart intensifies, deepening their connection through a cycle of dependence as an extension of social desperation, she slowly liberates herself from this urge, breaking through this proverbial wall and allowing herself to embrace womanhood. 

Obviously, I have never experienced anything quite so indicative of my emotional evolution as Juliet in the play. However, I believe that there is always evidence of a psychologically viable maturing and defining within all teenagers. Faced with a transitional period within our lives, we embark on a process of establishing ourselves as individuals beyond our families. We embrace new social groups, habits and more that aid or degrade this process, evolving into a pattern of mistake and triumph. This developmental period has been scientifically proven to be imperative for the social and emotional growth of the individual, allowing us to develop our maturity and nurture our wisdom through an arduous pattern of learning from repetitive mistakes. I think this conflict, essentially a tangible moment where one realizes that childhood has culminating into adulthood, and that furthering one's development involves separating oneself from one's family, is always an integral part of the human development, and as an extension, our continuing connection with this Shakespearean story of growing up.