Conflict, Secret Love, and Foils

In Act I Scene V there are many conflicts that are started. In the beginning of the scene, the servants see each other while walking down the street and begin to fight over which family is better, the Montague’s or the Capulet’s. The Montague’s and Capulet’s have been feuding for as long as anyone can remember. Meanwhile, Romeo and Juliet are secretly falling in love. Romeo is a Montague and Juliet is a Capulet, so their falling in love is unheard of. There are many conflicts still to come between the two rivaling families, but at this part of the book, neither of Romeo or Juliet's families knows of their secret love. Juliet is also in somewhat of a conflict with her mother. Juliet loves and respects her mother, as a daughter should, and wants to live up to her mother's expectations, but finds it difficult to do so while keeping her relationship with Romeo a secret. However, Juliet is in much closer of a relationship with Nurse. During the time period of Romeo and Juliet, the Elizabethan Era, a nurse acted much like a mother would today. 

A foil is a character who has qualities that are in sharp contrast to another character, therefore highlighting the qualities of each. In Romeo and Juliet, Romeo and Mercutio are foils in many ways. While Romeo is suffering from lovesickness and has a romantic view of love, Mercutio has a witty, light-hearted use of language and is easy-going. Romeo, on the other hand, is not as outgoing and is a "head-in-the-clouds" kind of lover. In Act I Scene IV, Romeo says, "Is love a tender thing? it is too rough, too rude, too boist'rous, and it pricks like thorn." This demonstrates Romeo's romantic view on love. 

adversary - (noun) One's opponent in a contest, conflict, or dispute

disparagement - (noun) something that derogates or casts in a bad light, as a remark or censorious essay

pernicious (adjective)- Having a harmful effect, esp. in a gradual or subtle way

posterity (noun) - All future generations

propagate (verb) - to cause to increase in number or amount.