Prejudice is widely known as a highly problematic topic at a global level that has been present all throughout human existence. In the play Romeo and Juliet, prejudice is a significant problem that appears countless times throughout the play. Examples of clearly identified prejudice that forced characters to take drastic measures include Tybalt's prejudice towards Romeo, Capulet's prejudice towards the Montagues, and lastly, Paris' prejudice toward Romeo. Prejudice between the Montagues and Capulets strongly influenced the characters to take extreme measures. .
The first evidence of prejudice between the Montagues and Capulets is visible from a character by the name of Tybalt. An example of Tybalt's prejudice towards Romeo was displayed when Tybalt grew angry and judgemental of Romeo when he spotted him at a party: "Uncle, this is a Montague, our foe, / a villain that is hither come in spite / To scorn at our solemnity this night"" (1.5). As displayed in this quote, As displayed in this quote, Tybalt assumes Romeo has come to ruin their party and calls Romeo a villain even though he does not personally know Romeo, which strongly shows the prejudice Tybalt has towards Montagues. This causes Tybalt to take a drastic measure and he ends up writing a note to challenge Romeo for a fight all because of his prejudice towards Romeo being a Montague. Tybalt acted not out of hatred towards Romeo's personality or actions, but only because Romeo was a Montague. Tybalt's prejudice caused him to take an extreme action and he ends up delivering a note of challenge to Romeo for a fight, all due to his prejudice towards Romeo being a Montague. A second demonstration of Tybalt's prejudice was when Tybalt killed Mercutio, who was a kinsman to Montague. It was evident that Tybalt killed Mercutio and influenced Romeo to take an extreme response and kill Tybalt when another character by the name of Benvolio explained what occurred: "There lies the man, slain by young Romeo, / That slew thy kinsman, brave Mercutio"" (3.
