The chief obstacle to Romeo and Juliet’s love is the long-standing feud between their families, the Montagues and the Capulets. This feud creates a hostile environment that forces the young lovers to keep their relationship a secret. The enmity between their families not only prevents them from openly expressing their love but also leads to a series of tragic events that ultimately result in their untimely deaths.
Additionally, societal expectations and the lack of support from their families further complicate their relationship. The pressure to conform to family loyalties and the absence of a mediator to reconcile the differences between the Montagues and Capulets exacerbate the situation, making it nearly impossible for Romeo and Juliet to be together openly and peacefully.