Read this excerpt from Act III, scene iii of Romeo and Juliet.
Friar Laurence: Too familiar 10
Is my dear son with such sour company:
I bring thee tidings of the prince’s doom.
Romeo: What less than doomsday is the prince’s doom?
Friar Laurence: A gentler judgment vanish’d from his lips,
Not body’s death, but body’s banishment.
How does this complication contribute to the central conflict of the play?
1 answer
This complication contributes to the central conflict of the play by deepening the obstacles that Romeo and Juliet face in their relationship. Romeo being banished from Verona, rather than facing death, creates a physical separation between him and Juliet, making it even more difficult for them to be together. This further intensifies their love and desire to be with each other, leading them to take drastic measures that ultimately contribute to their tragic fate. The complication of Romeo's banishment heightens the tension and adds to the sense of hopelessness and desperation that drives the central conflict of the play.