Conflict

     One of the primary conflicts of Romeo and Juliet is Romeo's indecision between his friends, Mercutio and Benvolio, and Juliet, who he has known for a day. Romeo's conflict is personal, rather than interpersonal, as so many of the play's conflicts are, but it does indirectly cause two of the deaths in the play. During Act III, if one is to take Shakespeare at his word, either Romeo or Mercutio could have killed Tybalt. The only reason for the deaths is first Romeo's loyalty to Juliet, which prevents him from fighting Tybalt, and then his loyalty to Mercutio, which forces him to intercede, giving Tybalt the opening needed. Hypothetically, if Romeo had taken on Tybalt himself, it is entirely possible he could have ended the conflict without bloodshed. He easily defeats Tybalt after Mercutio's death, so it's not impossible that this scenario could have occurred. If Romeo had left Mercutio to face Tybalt, but stuck to his resolution to remain neutral, Mercutio may have slayed Tybalt himself, what's more, being the Prince's kin, he may have even gotten away with it. Romeo's indecisive and flighty nature, however, ensures the worst case scenario, ultimately driving him to death's door.

     In reality, just as in Romeo and Juliet, conflict makes life interesting. Just as the play seems to become less interesting after Act III, a world without strife would be nothing like the one we all experience. Of course, in abstract, this is much more appealing than it may be in reality. For all of its character-building properties, conflict tends to leave people hurt, angry, and liable to start a cycle of revenge like the one seen in Shakespeare's play. Still, is it not true that without lows, the enjoyable parts of life taste less sweet? I am wandering.

Anyway...

     In our own existence, one of the most prevalent conflicts is that of human rights. Many are of the opinion that their reality is the only one experienced, that their truths are universal, and that their laws exist likewise. Therefore, when some of these views clash, the result is often venomous. When conflict occurs, people tend to resolve it with one or the other party losing or dead. Still, conflict also forces us to examine ourselves, in our own reactions. It is an integral part of being human.