Romeo& Juliet

The Individual Versus Society

Much of Romeo and Juliet involves the lovers’ struggles against public and social institutions that either explicitly or implicitly oppose the existence of their love. Such structures range from the concrete to the abstract: families and the placement of familial power in the father; law and the desire for public order; religion; and the social importance placed on masculine honor. These institutions often come into conflict with each other. The importance of honor, for example, time and again results in brawls that disturb the public peace.

SparkNotes Editors. “SparkNote on Romeo and Juliet.” SparkNotes.com. SparkNotes LLC. 2007. Web. 14 Feb. 2012.