In the play, "Romeo and Juliet" why does the Montagues family and the Capulets family hate each other so much.

Question

I am a 9th grader and I want to know why does the Montague's family and the Capulet's family HATE each other so much in the play, "Romeo and Juliet"? Even my teacher doesnt know so if someone who has read and been a part of the play in "Romeo and Juliet" can you tell me why does the Montague's family and the Capulet's family hate each other. 10 points to the correct and best answer I can get. Also a thumb's up as well. Again Thank you for giving me any information on this question.

Answer 1

Shakespeare never felt it was necessary to explain the origins of the rivalry, the only thing that mattered for the story was that the feud was ongoing and escalating to more violent levels, thus driving the prince to make his proclamation against further violence. This lack of origin is typical of longer running feuds, where no participant can remember the actual offense that began the feud.

Such feuds were quite common in the Italian city states of the Middle Ages such as Verona. Many of them were about political or economic power as much as anything else, one may well assume that the Capulets and Montagues were intended to be typical of the leading families of that time and place. Earlier versions of the story came from Italy, although some names and locations were changed, the basic idea remained the same.

Why the two families fought or what they first fought over is unimportant. The power of the story is not dependent on those details, which were wisely left out.

Answer 2

I think because they are the two most prominent families it could be a case
of rivalry. They each want to be the most prestigious, have the most power
and money. Feuds often don't make sense. Look at the state of the world
today. People hate other people based on such arbitrary things as the
colour of their skin or their religion. Sometimes people hate each other
for so long they forget why. Human nature?

Answer 3

As in other plays of his, Shakespeare does not reveal the "why"
of it, just as in real life. The author does not explain why the two warring families do hate each other bitterly and fiercely. At the end, the prince on horseback shouts, "All are punish-ed!!" All are punished with bereavement and death, and loss, for their senseless hatred.

Answer 4

They are basically the two most powerful families in Verona. They have feuded for generations.. a specific reason is never given.

Answer 5

It is never said. The feud is so old it is not even important why it started. This is done on so that the feud will seem stupid and not worth the trouble it has caused.

Answer 6

Sorry, there's no why given. It's not important to the subject of the play.
Kudos for exploring...

Answer 7

I don't think Shakespear says why they hate each other. Only that they do.