How does Shakespeare create conflict and opposition in the Prologue and Act 1, Scene 1 of Romeo and Juliet?

In the prologue of Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare outlines a narrative structure filled with conflict and opposition. The houses of the Capulets and Montagues are similar - alike in dignity - but they are caught in a terrible feud that has entwined the entire city. Shakespeare outlines the full extent of this conflict which allows him to create dramatic irony. This irony is created because the audience knows the events of the play but...

In the prologue of Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare outlines a narrative structure filled with conflict and opposition. The houses of the Capulets and Montagues are similar - alike in dignity - but they are caught in a terrible feud that has entwined the entire city. Shakespeare outlines the full extent of this conflict which allows him to create dramatic irony. This irony is created because the audience knows the events of the play but the characters do not, which creates an exciting dynamic for both the audience members and readers.

In Act 1, Scene 1 of Romeo and Juliet, the conflict described in Shakespeare's prologue is dramaticized. A feud quickly breaks out between the smaller side characters in the houses of the Montagues and Capulets. This feud is calmed down by the Prince, but the audience quickly realizes this feud is real and quickly escalating. The combination of these opposing factors (the Montagues and the Capulets) and the creation of dramatic irony is what creates the conflict and opposition in the prologue and first scene.