Depicting Literary Conflict in Romeo and Juliet

Literary conflicts are another major element often taught during ELA units. Building on prior knowledge to achieve mastery level with our students is important. An excellent way to focus on the various types of literary conflict is through storyboarding. Having students choose an example of each Literary conflict and depict it using the storyboard creator is a great way to reinforce your lesson!

In Romeo and Juliet, conflict is not only present, but also an important recurring element. Much of the conflict arises from the haste of love-struck Romeo and his rash decisions. Other conflicts arise from hidden secrets, most notably the Friar's concealment of Romeo and Juliet's marriage. Notice the examples from the storyboard above:

Romeo and Juliet Literary Conflict Examples

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MAN vs. SELF

Romeo is at war within himself over rejected feelings of deep love. His words, "Feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health, Still-waking sleep, that not what it is!" shows his conflicted state.

MAN vs. SOCIETY

Mercutio is a contrast to Romeo. Unlike his friend, he laughs at society's notion of love. In his "Queen Mab" speech, he constructs a satire of Romeo's love and dreams. The quote, "O, then, I see Queen Mab hath been with you... she gallops night by night... Through lovers’ brains, and then they dream of love!” exemplifies Mercutio's sarcastic nature. It is aimed at the love-struck Romeo, who is acting naive, rash, and impatient.

MAN vs. MAN

Romeo kills Tybalt out of revenge. The quote, "Curse you Romeo!" has multiple interpretations. It primarily illustrates this Man vs. Man conflict; however, it also foreshadows Romeo’s cursed fate solidifies Romeo as a tragic hero.

Student Instructions

Create a storyboard that shows three forms of literary conflict in Romeo and Juliet.

1. Click "Start Assignment".
2. Identify conflicts in Romeo and Juliet.
3. Categorize each conflict as Character vs. Character, Character vs. Self, Character vs. Society, Character vs. Nature, or Character vs. Technology.
4. Illustrate conflicts in the cells, using characters from the play.
5. Write a short description of the conflict below the cell.