Act Three
Standards Focus: Conflict
Conflict is a literary term indicating the struggle between two or more opposing forces. If conflict is written well, it can create a feeling of suspense, tension, and intrigue.
There are several types of conflict:
1. man versus man—struggle between two or more characters
2. man versus himself—struggle between a character and his conscience, morals, or physical limitations
3. man versus nature—struggle between a character and a force of nature such as weather or the environment
4. man versus society—struggle between a character and the rules, beliefs, or pressures of a society or community
5. man versus fate—struggle between a character and the ―forces‖ of the universe, such as God, destiny, or chance happenings
In addition, conflict can be divided into external or internal conflicts. External conflicts are man versus man, man versus nature, man versus society, and man versus fate. The internal conflict is man versus himself.
Directions: For each of the following quotes from Acts One-Three, decide who or what is involved in the conflict, and which type of conflict is being represented (see 1-5 above). Then decide whether this conflict is a main or subordinate conflict in the play. Finally, explain why you believe it is a main or subordinate conflict and how you feel this conflict will ultimately affect the plot of the play. An example has been done for you.
Ex. Tybalt fights with Mercutio and Romeo; Mercutio is killed accidentally by Tybalt. Out of anger and revenge, Romeo avenges Mercutio‘s death by killing Tybalt.
a. Opposing forces: Tybalt versus Mercutio and Romeo
b. Type of conflict: man versus man
c. Main or subordinate: main
d. Explanation: This conflict between Tybalt and Romeo and Mercutio has become a main conflict of the play. It is an important conflict because the fight between Tybalt and Romeo is ongoing, and despite Romeo‘s attempts to end the fight and make peace, Tybalt always wants to fight. This leads eventually to Tybalt‘s death and Romeo‘s banishment, which ruins any chance of Romeo and Juliet being together.
Name ______Period ______
1. In Act One, Romeo and Juliet find out that their families are enemies.
a. Opposing forces:
b. Type of conflict:
c. Main or subordinate:
d. Explanation:
2. In Act One, the Prince proclaims that anyone caught fighting on the streets of Verona will be put to death.
a. Opposing forces:
b. Type of conflict:
c. Main or subordinate:
d. Explanation:
3. At the beginning of Act Three, Benvolio says ―And if we meet, we shall not ‗scape a brawl.‖
a. Opposing forces:
b. Type of conflict:
c. Main or subordinate:
d. Explanation:
4. After killing Tybalt, Romeo proclaims that he is ―Fortune‘s fool‖
a. Opposing forces:
b. Type of conflict:
c. Main or subordinate:
d. Explanation:
5. After hearing that Romeo killed Tybalt, Juliet is caught between allegiances.
a. Opposing forces:
b. Type of conflict:
c. Main or subordinate:
d. Explanation:
6. Romeo learns of his banishment.
a. Opposing forces:
b. Type of conflict:
c. Main or subordinate:
d. Explanation:
7. Juliet tells her father that she does not want to marry Paris; Capulet is furious.
a. Opposing forces:
b. Type of conflict:
c. Main or subordinate:
d. Explanation:
8. Juliet turns to the Nurse for advice; the Nurse tells her to forget about Romeo and marry Paris.
a. Opposing forces:
b. Type of conflict:
c. Main or subordinate:
d. Explanation: