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What are two main external and internal conflicts Romeo faces in Act I?

One of Romeo's main external conflicts is of course between his powerful family, the Montagues, and their chief rivals, the Capulets. While Romeo is in no way disloyal to his family, he is disenchanted by the constant battles that break out so predictably between the two families, battles that often end with grave injuries to both sides.

Another external conflict is between Romeo's family and the Prince of Verona, who has commanded both families to desist from further skirmishes "upon pain of death." The bloodletting between the two families naturally disturbs the peace of the city, disrupting commerce and at times harming innocent citizens, while also blemishing the reputation of Verona. When his family is once again battling the Capulets, Romeo is well aware of the Prince's proscription against fighting, and fears both the wrath of the Prince and the safety of his family.


Internally, Romeo battles to maintain his romantic, passionate character in the face of the obligation exerted by his family to carry on the grudge with the Capulets. There is part of his character that desires peace with the young men loyal to the Capulets, sensing that the feud between the two families has devolved into senseless violence that forever threatens to poison each new generation of each family.

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