In the play "Romeo and Juliet," what are some quotes about violence, prejudice, and/or moral decisions?

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Here are some quotes:

MORALITY

  • But Montague is bound as well as I/In penalty alike, and 'tis not hard, I think,/For men so old as we to keep the peace (I,ii,1-3) [obeying the law]
  • Verona brags of him [Romeo]/To be virtuous and well-governed youth (I,v,64-65) [Romeo has a virtuous character]
  • Come, come with me, and we will make short work,/For, by your leves, you shall not stay alone/Till Holy Church incorporate two in one. (II,vi,35-37) [Friar Laurence will not let Romeo and Juliet be alone together unless they are married]
  • Then, since the case so stands as now it doth,/I think it best you married with the County/....I think you are happy in this second match,/For it excels your first...Your first is dead, or 'twere as good he were/As living here and you no use of him. (III,v,219-227) [Lack of morality--The Nurse advises Juliet to marry Paris knowing Juliet is already married.]
  • I'll to the Friar, to know his remedy/If all else fail, myself have power to die. (III,v,241-242) Immoral idea - suicide
  • Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much,/Which mannerly devotion shows in this;/For saints have hands that pilgrims' hands do touch,/And palm to palm is holy palmers' kiss. (I,v,92-95)[In her sonnet with Romeo, Juliet displays having been instilled with morals.]

VIOLENCE and PREJUDICE

  • 'Tis all one, I will show myself a tyrant./Draw thy tool.  Here comes two of the house of Montagues./My naked weapon is out.  Quarrel--I will back thee. (I,i,12-14) [The play opens with violence as Sampson and Gregory prepare to fight with Abaraham of the Montagues.]
  • Rebellious subject...Your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace. (I,i,70) [Prince threatens death to offenders of the peace]
  • Aye, madam, from the reach of these my hands./Would none but I might vernge my sousin's death!....We will haave vengeance for it, fear thou not.(III,v,86-93) [Lady Capulet vows revenge against Romeo for the death of Tybalt.]
  • This, by his voice, should be a Montague/Fetch me my rapier, boy....To strike him dead I hold it not a sin. (I,v, 54-55)[Tybalt wants to kill Romeo--violence, prejudice, immoral behavior
  • What, art thou drawn among these heartless hinds?/...What, drawn, and talk of peace!  I hate the word/As I hat Hell, all Montagues, and thee./Have at thee, coward! (I,i,39-45) {Tybalt displays both violence and prejudice against the Montagues]

 

 

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