Question

How does Shakespeare develop the central idea of individual v. group identity in this scene ?

Answer 1

When Romeo and Juliet fall in love, their individual desire for each other—“ancient grudge” and thus the social order of Verona, a city run by noble families like the Montagues and Capulets—places them in direct opposition with the society of which they’re both a part. As Romeo and Juliet fall deeper and deeper in love, they come up against their friends, their families, and the political and religious authorities which govern the city of Verona. Throughout the play, Shakespeare uses the tragedy which befalls Romeo and Juliet—both teenagers and effectively children—in order to argue that the  constraints and demands of many societies ignore or actively agitate their most vulnerable members.