Romeo and Juliet Crucial Quotes
The family feud drives everything in this tragedy. The "ancient grudge" creates "star-crossed lovers" whose love is "death-marked" from the very Prologue. Tybalt's hatred blazes through "Peace? I hate the word as I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee!"
Romeo's passionate nature shows in both love and violence. He calls Juliet "the sun" but also engages in the brawl where Mercutio curses "A plague o' both your houses!" The Prince's warning proves true: "your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace."
Parental control crushes young love, with Lord Capulet's fury: "Hang thee, young baggage! Disobedient wretch!" contrasting sharply with his earlier tenderness: "Come, come, my child, my only life." Lady Capulet pushes marriage: "the valiant Paris seeks you for his love."
Theme Alert: Shakespeare explores how ancient hatred destroys innocent love, making the young pay for their elders' mistakes.
Foreshadowing runs throughout, from Friar Lawrence's warning "these violent delights have violent ends" to the description of "fire-eyed fury." Even Juliet's plea "deny thy father and refuse thy name" hints at the tragic cost of their forbidden love.