Rayanne Hamze 19698931 Film & Drama

Discuss Juliet’s character. What are the major conflicts she faces and how does Luhrmann
represent them? How else might they be staged?

Within the film Romeo + Juliet, Juliet is portrayed to be a rebellious teen as she is
constantly defying her family’s norms and enjoys being independent and full of life.
Throughout the film, she is continuously meeting up with Romeo, the man she loves,
behind her parents back and the reason for the secrecy is because he is from the
opposing family, the Montagues while she is a Capulet. This is one of the major conflicts
within the film as she faces clash between her love for Romeo and her loyalty to her
family. She articulates this internal conflict when she says, “O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore
art thou Romeo?” (Romeo and Juliet 2.2.880). Other examples that portray her rebellion
include getting married to Romeo behind in secrecy and refusing to marry Paris, the
man who her father is obligating her to marry. Furthermore, even though Juliet is seen
as a defiant teen, marrying Romeo can be seen as an act of innocence as marriage in the
eyes of God is a faithful action so one can sympathise with her as she takes courage in
risking her life for someone she loves, showing her passion and independence.

One of the major conflicts Juliet faces as a young woman is a marriage arranged by her
father. This conflict leads to her wanting to commit suicide as she believes that her life is
over. However, in Act 3, Scene 5, Luhrmann represents Juliet’s determination as she
makes the decision to control her own fate where she says, “If all else fail, myself have
the power to die.” (Romeo and Juliet 3.5.243). This portrays her defiance to the
prearranged marriage to Paris, demonstrating her willingness to challenge social norms
and expectations. These conflicts are shown through vibrant graphics and current music
to bring the conflicts to life while accentuating the tension between the families and the
intensity of Juliet’s feelings.

Another conflict that Juliet faces is the murder of her favourite cousin Tybalt by her
loving husband, Romeo. This is an internal conflict that she deals after discovering
Romeo killed Tybalt which is central to her character development as she is torn
between her loyalty to her family and her love for Romeo. However, she realises that
disapproving her husband’s actions will cause more tragedy and chooses to stand by
Rayanne Hamze 19698931 Film & Drama

him instead choosing love over her family conveying Juliet’s character to be independent
and courageous allowing the audience to not judge her innocent actions.

Other ways that these conflicts could be staged is through different adaptations
contrasting stage productions that highlights different aspects. Some of these ways
include a traditional stage production which may focus on the period setting and
language, highlighting the societal pressures and constraints on Juliet; or it could be a
minimalist production which may emphasise the distress within Juliet’s mind, allowing
the audience to explore the way she thinks. Juliet is portrayed in Act 4, Scene 1 talking to
Friar Lawrence, the priest, where she is filled with distraught, anger and her internal
anguish talking about suicide.
Rayanne Hamze 19698931 Film & Drama

References:
Luhrmann, Baz. Romeo + Juliet. Twentieth Century Fox, 1996.
Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. Dover Publications, 1993.