In the play "Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, when Prince Escalus says, "All are punished" near the end, he is referring to the broader consequences of the feud between the Montagues and Capulets and how it has led to a tragic outcome that affects everyone in Verona. The use of "all" signifies that not only the families involved in the conflict suffer, but the entire community bears the weight of the tragedy.
The phrase comes in the final act, where the Prince reflects on the deaths of Romeo, Juliet, and the other characters caught in the conflict. He acknowledges that the violence stemming from the feud has led to the loss of young lives and consequently, brings sorrow to all, indicating that both families, as well as the citizens of Verona, have experienced profound loss and grief.
For example, earlier in the play, the Prince expresses his displeasure at the repeated violent clashes between the Montagues and Capulets, stating, “If you ever disturb our streets again, Your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace.” This establishes the stakes involved and sets the tone for the tragic outcomes. By the end, the Prince's remark, "All are punished," suggests that the consequences of hatred and discord extend far beyond the families involved, underscoring the idea that the cycle of violence affects the entire community and underscores the tragic nature of the story.
In summary, Prince Escalus’s "all" refers to everyone in Verona, indicating collective suffering from the feud’s aftermath, as evidenced by the widespread impact of the deaths that result from the families' conflicts.