Romeo, only son to head of House of Montague expelled from Verona by Ruling Prince

John Macartney in Verona

As the sun was beating down on Verona yesterday, a tragedy was unfolding on its streets Two young lives were cut short in one of the worst examples of violence the city has seen in its long history.

fierce fighting

For generations, the city has been plagued with fierce fighting between noble families. Many say the most bitter conflict is between the Capulet and Montague dynasties and it is from these houses that the dead come. It is near impossible to discover what really happened from the two polarised accounts, however it seems that events were as follows:

A group of Capulets came across two Montagues – known simply as Benvolio and Mercutio. The Capulets allege that Mercutio, renowned for his quick temper, instigated the fight but the only surviving Montague present, Benvolio, insists that Tybalt, nephew of the head of the House of Capulet, started the brawl. Romeo Montague soon joined in, Montagues claim to endeavour to stop the fight, and it seems that Petruchio, the other Capulet there, killed Mercutio while aiming for Romeo.

He died moments later. Romeo then sought vengeance against one of his friend’s killers, who was dead within minutes.

Background

This is not the only recent incident of gang violence in Verona. Only a week ago, a similar incident, again involving the Montagues and Capulets, in which nobody was injured, led to Prince Escalus issuing his threat of banishment or execution to anybody found to be "disturbing the quiet of our peaceful streets".

It was under this decree that Romeo was forced to leave last night, beneath cover of clouds. His departure leaves many uncertainties. He was the Montagues’ only child and heir. Having been banished indefinitely, the future of the family seems uncertain. It was widely known that Juliet Capulet was betrothed to a foreigner – Paris – however their marriage, and thus the survival of the Capulet family, has also been plunged into doubt by recent events.

Commentators have warned of the likelihood of retaliatory attacks from both camps. The Prince has said punishment for those seeking revenge will be as harsh as possible.

Comment

What does the prince's reaction mean?

Many used to claim that the ruling Prince Escalus was biased. He is, after all, related to the Montagues.

However, his reaction to the recent tragic events has shown him to be capable of rising above petty partisan loyalty.

They also indicate how serious the situation has become.

(Over the past 50 years, it is estimated that over 300 people have been killed in the conflicts.) For him to exile one of his own kinsmen shows both a keen sense of justice and political courage.

It is no secret that Verona has been suffering at the hands of the Capulets and Montagues, as well as others, and their incessant disputes for too long.

We can only hope that the Prince’s actions will suffice to improve life for the everyday residents of Verona and prevent any further tragedies from occurring.