Differences in the Tragedies of Romeo and Juliet and...

Shakespeare is able to create new type of character that does not rely on the definition of hero in the classical tradition. He is able to create a multidimensional heroic disposition that allows his male characters to have intellect while also having physical strength. Shakespeare’s tragedies of Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet illustrate two very different conceptions of tragedy. Hamlet is a story about revenge, with a need for the truth to be reveled at all costs. Romeo and Juliet centers around innocence, soiled by prejudice of family conflict. The story surrounds the main characters, but the minor foils of each play give a deeper meaning to the actions of Romeo, Juliet and Hamlet. Benvolio and Tybalt are each trying to serve and protect†¦show more content†¦Put up thy sword,/ Or manage it to part these ment with me (Romeo and Juliet I.i.68-69). This quote shows that his main goal is to try and resolve the conflict through words and not violent actions, which is how he acts for the entirety of the play. He seeks to end the conflict in Verona. His trustful nature allows the Prince to believe him without question. In response to Benvolio’s peaceful nature, Tybalt is short-tempered and has an aggressive personality. Tybalt dismisses Benvolios statement of peace, saying, What, drawn and talk of peace? I hate the word/ As I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee (Romeo and Juliet I.i.71-72). This shows that Tybalt will not entertain the idea of peaceful negations when dealing with the enemy household. The pride that comes from his Capulet household fuels his vanity. Shakespeare has created two very different perceptions of the tragedy using these sets of foils. Hamlet’s fatal flaw is considered to be his inability to act. Hamlets reflective and cautious nature are his tragic flaw, and these characteristics ultimately lead to the tragic ending of the play. The play can therefore represent the positive and negative affects of indecisiveness. Laertes quick decisions to trust King Claudius and poison Hamlet leads to his own death. Unlike Hamlet he is not cautious and yet his demise is the same. Laertes foil, Horatio, is a cautious man who survives the play. Though itShow MoreRelatedWilliam Shakespeare s Othello And The English Language1649 Words   |  7 PagesPoet, playwright, actor and dramatist, William Shakespeare is one of the most influential and greatest writers up to this day in poetry and the English language. Known, for his many acclaimed works such as his famous plays, â€Å"Othello,† â€Å"King Lear,† and â€Å"Romeo and Juliet† etc. More than four hundred years have passed and William Shakespeare’s work still alive as if it was during the early ages of Shakespeare work. 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