Class Conflict and Social Inequality in Shakespeare’s 'Romeo and

Juliet': A Marxist Analysis

BY

MARCHEILA JULIANTI

2100026068

ENGLISH LITERATURE

LITERARY CRITICISM

LAST EXAM

FACULTY OF ARTS, CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION

AHMAD DAHLAN UNIVERSITY

YOGYAKARTA
Backround

Basically. Power is important in economic power. It's not just economics, it

can be everything, which is why social classes are created. These relationships
shape patterns of social interaction and how people are characterized in society.
Taking a quote from one of Marx's famous philosophers, “social class determines
consciousness(Karl Marx ,1922), it shows how individuals' thoughts about their
position in a class structure can influence their worldview, attitudes, ideologies and
consciousness. From a Marxist perspective, social class not only determines an
individual's means to economic resources but also shapes their ideology, values and
worldview. Social class is so influential on how a person thinks, behaves and how
to respond to a social condition around him. This is what forms a different
worldview between the ruling class and the oppressed class. Human consciousness
is not the result of isolated individual thought, but the result of the elemental and
social conditions in which they live. In other words. A person's worldview is
strongly influenced by their social class position.

The upper middle class or so-called bourgeois class, for example, has the
power to control the means of production, hence, they are able to enforce their
ideology as the leading social norm. This often obscures the reality of social and
economic injustice and status maintenance. On the other hand there is a low-middle
class based on Marx's thinking, experiencing suppression and exploitation,
developing a different class awareness, which can point to resistance to the
oppressive system.

In the Marxist view, every society divided into social classes creates conflict
between the top and the bottom or marginalized classes, the top class or the so-
called dominant class, has the role of control over the means of production,
imposing their thoughts through their various social sources such as education,
religion, and media. This thinking serves to maintain the status quo and legitimize
their power thus preventing the marginalized classes from realizing and changing
their conditions of oppression.

In the context of cultural literature, Marxist theory provides an analytical

tool that understands how literary works reflect and create power relations in
society. By analyzing the characters, plots and themes in literary works through
Marxist theory, we can reveal how conflicts occur as social classes and ideologies
are read and questioned. Literary works, as an application of culture, often show
and question the class structure and dominant thinking in society. Literature should
reflect the reality of everyday life and the complexity of the human mind (James
Joyce 1922). Through Marxist analysis, we can find out what kind of power
relations, social injustice, and class struggle are reflected in literary concepts. One
of the interesting works to analyze through a Marxist view is William Shakespear's
“Romeo and Juliet”. Despite many people read this book because it is famous for
its tragic love, this work also depicts conflicts in the form of social tensions and
power conflicts between two royal families, Capulet and Montague.

In “Romeo and Juliet”, the conflict between the Capulet and Montague
families can be seen as a symbol of the struggle between two very influential social
classes in Verona. These two families have important power and social status, and
their conflict can be seen as an illustration of class struggle and attempts to maintain
power. This conflict has not only shown personal conflicts but also shows the social
structure and class positions that exist in Verona society. In another words, the
Conflict shows how a power must be maintained and a social status contested.

Romeo and Juliet, as two members of a conflicted family, fall victim to the
feud between these two families which forces them to choose between their undying
love or their family loyalties. Their incident can be seen as a critique of the social
injustice created. Their love is hindered and transcends the boundaries of social
class, challenging dominant thinking and reflecting that rigid class structures can
lead to suffering and destruction.

In addition, a marxist analysis of “Romeo and Juliet” can also give birth to
how class values influence the relationships of each character. For example, the
behavior and decisions taken by characters, such as Lord Capulet and Lord
Montague, we can see that this feud is carried out as an attempt to maintain their
power until Romeo and Juliet are the victims.
Literature Review

The first research comes from Badri Akandi, Dwi Taurina (2019) with the
research title “the analysis of marxism in the movie jack the giant slayer” which
discusses class and types of marxism. The purpose of the researcher writing this is
to inform the public about how social class can affect how it plays a role in the
world of society. The researcher used a research method in the form of a qualitative
descriptive method. This research uses two theories, namely the types of marxism
according to Tyson (2006) and social class according to Barry (2002). The results
achieved are that there are 10 forms of marxism. That is the form of classism. In
addition, researchers also found three forms of social class, namely the upper class,
middle class, and lower class. There are characters who are in the top class, one
character from the middle class, and two characters from the lower class. The most
predominant is the higher class that appears from four characters.

Research conducted by Miss Salma Shaikh, Sajid Sindhi, who analyzed the
main character of Parizaad in the novel “a marxist study of novel parizaad: through
the analysis of character of parizaad by hashim nadeem” published in (2014) with
the perspective of Karl Marx's theory of marxism. Miss Salma and Sajid Sindhi
used qualitative methods to analyze the data. Clearly reflecting Marxism as a theory
of social conflict, the researchers examined social, economic, racism, class system,
and various other issues related to society. Through the same method, the Urdu
novel Hasim Parizaad shows the harsh reality of Pakistani society. It also criticizes
the elites and upper class people and shows how the upper class people behave
towards the poor and downtrodden. As a result, the novel shows injustice, class and
caste differences and racism. Parizaad blatantly criticizes the system of society that
exists in Pakistan, where many are still being victimized by racism such as dark-
skinned people being considered pests, indicating the poverty and the simplicity
contained in this novel which can be a very harsh lesson for this cruel society.

The third research was obtained from one of the journals made by Luthfiansyah
(2020) who examined a novel entitled “The Great Expectation”. This study
analyzes this novel on the grounds that it is a picture of real life, especially telling
about life in England during the time of Queen Victoria. As a Realist writer, Charles
Dickens wrote this novel based on the reality that occurred in his day. Luthfiansyah
used Karl Marx's theory to examine his research because he wanted to reveal class
strata. Looking at the main character of Bernama Pip, there are many lessons we
can learn, such as his kindness, strength and optimism. This research reveals the
main character's style that has its own charm in interpreting the style of dress that
can determine a person's identity or the identity of the group according to the class
and caste that uses it.

Marxist materialism shows that social status determines a social

consciousness, so the era described by Carver is not imaginary, but reflects his own
time. This is noted in the journal researched by He Xiaohong (2022) in the journal
title “A Brief Analysis of Raymond Carver's Short Stories From A Marxism
Perspective” which used the text reading method to observe the alienation processes
of the characters Carver created, the realism in creating content and its origins, and
the light of the humanity seen in Carver's works. The characters in Carver's work
are a representation of the society of his time. The stories of misfortune, ugliness,
and decisions they face represent events such as the Vietnam War, the feminist
movement, sexual assault liberation, the Watergate scandal, and other events of the
time. Most of Carver's characters in Gambari work in service, sales and low-wage
jobs, so they are classified into the Proletariat or what is widely known as the lower
class. Carver realizes based on his experience that the Bourgeoisie or the upper class
is mostly oppressive and selfish and exploits those from the lower classes, in the
story the Bourgeoisie claims about equality and freedom, but in fact it is a mask to
cover their ugliness and selfishness. Carver successfully shows that there was
human dissatisfaction at that time and noticed the contradictions and conflicts in a
capitalist society.

In the fifth study taken with the title “Navigating the Divide: A Marxist
Analysis of The White Tiger” researched by Amina Iftikhar (2024) examines a
novel entitled ‘The White Tiger’ by Arvind Adiga, which has the aim of showing
how a main character is formed, Balram. Can influence social dynamics in the
context of Marxist theory. The researcher uses Marxist theory as a framework for
analysis. Another aim is to reveal the structures that support social inequality in the
Indian background that has been depicted in this novel. In short, the novel tells the
story of two contrasting social classes. The upper class or rich group is called 'Light
India' and the lower class or marginalized group is called 'Dark India'. This study
tells of the use of illegal resources by political and economic elites, exposing the
difficult relationship between will, corruption and social structure. In conclusion,
this analysis can not only enrich our reasoning and understanding of this novel, but
can also add a broader insight into literature, ideology and social criticism.

Discussion

Based on the analysis that has been carried out to examine the marxist theory
contained in the novel “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare, the following
results are obtained

a. Act 1 : quarrel between servants, Sampson and Gregory ( servant of the Capulet
family)
SAMPSON: Gregory, on my word, we'll not carry coals.
GREGORY: No, for then we should be colliers.

In act 1 scene 1, a dialog is given that shows how social class dynamics reflect
Marxist theory. In this dialog, Sampson tells George that they will not “Carry
Coals” which means that they do not want to do rough and hard work as it is a
despicable job. Then Gregory replied that if they did, they would be 'colliers' or
called coal miners which means it is in a lower position than a servant in the social
throne. This dialog shows that these two servants who work as capulet's maids are
at a disadvantaged level or lower class in Verona society. They are aware of their
lowly status and they refuse to do lesser jobs so that they can still maintain their
dignity. This is an example of class consciousness, where they realize their position
in the social caste and they try to maintain their status. As a whole, the dialogue
between Sampson and Gregory reflects a social class dynamics in Verona Society
and it shows how people at the lower level must maintain their dignity and self-
respect in order not to feel even more humiliated to maintain their class and social
status.
b. Act 2 : balcony scene: Conversation between Romeo and Juliet (children of the
Capulet family and the Montague family)

JULIET: O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny thy father
and refuse the name; Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, And I'll no
longer be a Capulet.

In act two and scene two there is a dialog between Juliet and Romeo, it can be
seen if there are aspects contained in the marxist theory of Karl Marx. Juliet who
comes from the Capulet family who comes from the nobility or bourgeoisie in
Verona society, as well as Romeo who comes from the noble class of the Montague
family, who also comes from the same upper class in the caste system of Verona
society. Marx divides society into two main classes, namely the class that becomes
the owner of capital or often called the bourgeoisie and there is also a class that
becomes a worker or ploretariat. The main conflict in this dialog is basically coming
from these two noble families who always show their rivalry and interests between
the rich and powerful social classes of each of them without thinking about what
happens to their children. In this dialogue Juliet wants Romeo to reject his name
and all forms of family opposition in order for Romeo to accept and sacrifice for
his love, this highlights how identity and relationships are very relevant to social
class which means that social class can hinder individual relationships. This
illustrates how social class can affect personal lives and relationships, a theme
emphasized by Karl Marx in his analysis of social difference and the influence of
capitalism on the individual.

c. Act 3 : The street fight between Mercutio, Tybalt, and Romeo highlights the
destructive impact of the feud on all classes

MERCUTIO: O calm, dishonorable, vile submission!

During this dialogue, Mercutio calls submission “dishonorable” and “vile”,

indicating that there is a social class condition that pressures an individual to submit
to unjust power or laws. According to Karl Marx, this submission is an oppressive
form of obedience that reinforces the existing power structure. Mercutio shows in
his dialogue the opposition to the dominance of the ruling class that tries to maintain
its power by oppressing the lower classes. Mercutio's assessment of submission is
dishonorable and reflects disapproval of social values that support unjust social
classes. Therefore, Mercutio's statement can be seen as a critique of the injustice of
the social class experienced by the lower class or the working class or even the
lower class of workers in society, this is in line with Karl Marx's thoughts that
discuss the manipulation of social values and the oppression that occurs by the
ruling class or upper class.

d. Act 4 : Juliet's desperation to avoid marrying Paris leads her to take drastic
measures, showcasing the limited agency of women in her social class.

JULIET: What if it be a poison, which the friar Subtly hath minister'd to have
me dead...

In this dialogue, Juliet fears the possibility that the medicine given by Friar
Laurence is actually a poison planned to kill her. Based on Marxist thought, this
fear reflects the distrust and insecurity that is possible in power and authoritarian
relationships in society. Juliet comes from a noble Capulet family and the Friar
comes from a family that holds power as a religious leader. Although Juliet has the
ultimate power, she has no control over her fate, showing how the self often feels
alienated from all decisions in their lives. Juliet's suspicion of Friar Laurance also
gives perspective on how larger systems can work to the detriment of an individual.
The prevailing thinking may try to cover up the potentially dangerous nature of a
betrayal faced by individuals within a certain social class, this dialog illustrates the
distrust, insecurity, and feelings of alienation experienced by individuals in a
society divided by social class. As Karl Marx's theory explains “workers become
poorer and poorer the more wealth they produce, the more their power and range of
production increase. The worker becomes cheaper and cheaper as the commodity
he creates ( Karl Marx, economic and philosophic Manuscript of 1844). This means
that personalities like Juliet, feel increasingly alienated and lose control of their own
fate even though they are in a social class that is fairly favorable to them. Then there
is also the quote that the ideas of the ruling class in every age are the ideas that lead
and rule, that is, the class that is the power to control society, and at the same time
is the intellectual power of the ruler (Karl Marx, the German ideology). This shows
that there is a suppression of prevailing ideas in this case meaning the suppression
by Friar Laurance as a religious leader, which may work to maintain the power of
the upper class and also harm individuals.

e. Act 5 : The tragic conclusion underscores the futility of the feud and its
devastating impact across social classes.

PRINCE: Where be these enemies? Capulet, Montague, See, what a scourge is

laid upon your hate, That heaven finds means to kill your joys with love!

In the dialog above, we can see how concepts shaped by Marxism such as
social class, power and conflict play a role. The Capulets and Montagues are two
families who have the same wealth and are equally powerful in Verona. Their
conflict shows the important struggle between different classes in a society, as
described by Karl Marx. The prince, who acts as a representative of state power
reflects how class conflict can cause severe suffering to society. The Prince also
explains that heaven has found many ways to kill happiness with love. This shows
the importance of class consciousness, as Marx said. Thus, this dialog illustrates
how the conflict of throne and power within a high social class can create dangerous
illusions and cause unwanted tragedy. The conflict between Capulet and Motague
shows an example of class conflict that underlies history and social dynamics as
stated by the Communist Manifesto “the history of all hitherto existing society is
the history of class struggles” (Communist Manifesto, 1848). The above dialogue
is also very relevant to the issue of power and authority characterized by the role of
the prince representing the state authority, which in Marx's perspective,
representing the state authority can act as an interest for the upper class as quoted
from one of the books 'The executive of the modern state is but a committee for
managing the common affairs of the whole Bourgeoisie' (Communist Manifesto,
1848).

In the discussion, the results obtained are the role of Marxist theory in the
novel 'Romeo and Juliet' by William Shakespear. In each act or part of the story
presented, each of them gets at least one dialog in each act that contains Marxist
theory or social class theory. In each act we can see the existence of Marxism theory
as in the first act (1) a Marxist is identified that reflects a social class dynamic in
Verona society and shows how people who are at the lower level must maintain
their dignity and self-esteem so as not to feel even more humiliated to maintain their
class and social status. The second act (2) is identified as a dialogue that is relevant
to the theory created by Karl Marx which illustrates how social class can affect
personal lives and relationships, a theme emphasized by Karl Marx in his analysis
of social differences and the influence of capitalism on individuals. In the third act
(3), a dialogue is revealed that uses Marxism theory and the result is a critical view
of the injustice of the social class experienced by the lower class or working class
or even a class that is inferior to workers in society, this is in line with Karl Marx's
thoughts which discuss the manipulation of social values and the oppression that
occurs by the ruling class or upper class. In the fourth act (4), it is obtained in the
form of a theory that uses Marxism, which shows that there is a suppression of ideas
that apply in this case, which means suppression, which may work to maintain
upper-class power and also harm individuals. The fifth act (5) results in the
identification of elements of Marxism, illustrating how conflicts over throne and
power within social classes can create dangerous illusions and lead to unwanted
tragedy.

Conclution

From a number of explanations that have been carried out by researchers, it

can be summarized that the novel 'Romeo and Juliet' represented the oppression and
power of the upper class to the community to fulfill profits. It was found that every
chapter in the story must contain Marxist elements that reflect the social dynamics
in Verona society. The first is the quarrel between the Capulet family servants,
Sampson and Gregory, which shows the rudeness of their class. They refuse the
more humiliating jobs to maintain their dignity which shows the Marxist role of
struggle.

The second is the dialogue between Romeo and Juliet which highlighted
how individuals can be deterred by social class. Juliet asks romeo to reject his
family name for the sake of his love in order for Romeo to sacrifice for his love,
here showing the rivalry of rich and powerful noble families and how social class
affects personal lives and relationships, in accordance with Karl Marx's perspective.
The third is the destructive concept of this feud towards all social classes through
the street fight between Mercutio, Tybaly, and Romeo. Mercutio's dialog highlights
the oppression and power of the upper class which is in line with the Marxist
critique of social class injustice. The fourth is Juliet's decision to avoid marriage
with Paris Juliet's mistrust and discomfort towards Friar Laurence reflects an unfair
familial relation and a feeling of alienation in a class society. In accordance with
the theory used, namely Marxsism. Then next there is the futility of the feud and its
destructive effects throughout socialization... the prince's dialogue underscores how
society as a whole suffers. It also shows an important example of a feud between
different classes of society that reflects how severe the suffering of society is. The
prince, as a representative of state power, reflects how class conflict can cause
suffering.

Overall, this analysis shows that 'Romeo and Juliet' plays a significant role
in the novel, with each chapter containing elements that demonstrate the dynamics
of social class and the power it creates that can create illusions. The novel depicts
conflicts such as the oppression of the lower classes in society. This novel shows
or illustrates how class conflicts still occur frequently. And can create illusions that
are so dangerous and cause unwanted tragedy. In accordance with the views of Karl
Marx, thus the novel 'romeo da juliet' is not only famous for its tragic story but also
for its social class dynamics and power struggles that are relevant to the theory
created by Karl Marxism.
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