o a young couple, the feelings can be mutualat times. Young love often ends up being ignorant, the result of desiring and yearninghormones, instead of the passionate and true heart.From the ancient vendettas of the old Sicilian families, to the modern grudges of the streetgangs of South Central Los Angeles, the revenge code is still a visible part of society.Following the death of his best friend, Mercutio, Romeo is suddenly overcome withemotions of anger and vengeance:"Alive in triumph, and Mercution slain!Away to heaven, respective lenity,And fire-eyed fury by my conduct now. -Now, Tybalt, take the "villain" back againThat late thou gavest me, for Mercutio's soulIs but a little way above our heads,Staying for thine to keep him company.Either thou or I, or both, must go with him." (III,i,127-134)As stated in the hand-out, "A stiff-necked code of honor makes the young men spring toviolent, bloody action." Romeo later regrets slaying Tybalt, only moments after: "O, I amFortune's fool!" (III,i,142) In modern day society, as in Romeo and Juliet, if ever a gangmember is killed, his death is almost immediately avenged. This is evident during theblood-crip gang war in Los Angeles during the 1980's and 1990's. Over 100,000 deathswere the result of this territorial war, where, resembling the pointless feud of theMontagues and Capulets, youths were killed for wearing red or blue. Even now, in highschools and secondary schools around the world, "eye for an eye," seems to be thephilosophy of choice. Although a lot of the honor has been lost of the centuries, therevenge code still exists, where the deaths, beatings and imprisonment of fellowcompatriots, often bring swift and zealous vengeance.Life in Verona seems to have seldom difference from today's situation. Young peopleseem to face the same problems, make the same difficult choices and confront the sameobstacles. Parental influence, young love and the revenge code still have an effect on us,ev...
