Internal And External Conflicts Of Teenagers In William Shakespeare's Romeo And

Adolescence is a vital time in regards to the growth and development of a person. Teens in this generation, more than any other, are faced with so many different problems that they must overcome. Going through adolescence is a very difficult time for teens, because they are faced with many internal and external problems that they must cope with which can result in suicide or other health issues. Difficulties in adolescence are a common issue seen in many aspects of life as well as literature. Throughout the time spent in adolescence, teens are faced with many internal conflicts that they must overcome. A huge struggle for both teenage boys and girls is understanding and finding oneself. It is very common for teenagers to get caught up with …show more content…
Suicide is a common decision made by overwhelmed teengers looking for a way to escape their problems. “According to a national survey in 1997, suicide is the nation's second leading cause of death among teenagers” (Turakhia). Teenagers all over the world, both in life and literature, commit suicide for their own reasons. In William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, both of the main characters commit suicide. The internal and external problems that the teenagers must face become too much for them to handle causing them to take their own lives. Juliet says, “Unless thou tell me how I may prevent it. If in thy wisdom thou canst give me no help… I long to die, If what thou speak’st speak not of remedy” (Shakespeare 102). Before the characters actually commit suicide they search out for help from other characters; this cry for help is also commonly seen in real life suicide victims. “ Most people who attempt suicide are really desperately crying for help. They usually leave many signs or warnings in the hope that someone will help them” (Turakhia). It is becoming increasingly common for teenagers to commit suicide in this generation because of how it is talked about and romanticised. When people discuss suicide, they are usually referring to it in a sympathetic way or in a way that gives the victim attention. “If suicide is romanticised or normalised in any way it can lead to imitative behavior” (Johnson 128). The way that suicide is being discussed in our society almost makes it seem like a common and normal thing. Another way in which teenagers cope with their problems is by isolating themselves from them. It is extremely common for teenagers to run away from home when they feel things are too hard to deal with. “... one in seven kids between the ages of 10 and 18 will run away. And there are 1.3 million runaway and homeless kids living