Why does the Prince call the Capulets and the Montagues "Rebellious subjects, enemies to peace, / Profaners of this neighbor-stained steel"? Explain the penalty the Prince imposes.

Prince Escalus calls the Capulets and the Montagues "rebellious subjects, enemies to peace,/ profaners of this neighbor-stained steel" because of their easy violent nature and their want to 'hurt' each other. To him, the two families are averse to maintaining peace and would be ready to draw their swords against each other.

As a result of the constant trouble the two families bring up, the prince declared that anyone found causing trouble once again will be put to death.

Explanation:

William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" revolves around the tragic love story of two young lovers stuck between their families' feud. The story delves into themes of love, loyalty, society, conflict, and family.

In Act I scene i, we see the two feuding families and their men coming head-to-head. Amidst this feud, Prince Escalus arrived and admonished the Capulets and the Montagues for their 'hatred' for each other. He called them "Rebellious subjects, enemies to peace, / Profaners of this neighbor-stained steel". By this, he meant that the two families do not believe in peace and always wanted to stir up trouble. They are not good subjects and would only rebel against one another. Moreover, they are always ready to draw their sword at each other every chance they get.

And in stirring up trouble thrice, the Prince decreed: "If ever you disturb our streets again, Your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace." This means that anyone found instigating or causing trouble in the city of Verona again will be sentenced to death. This is the penalty for the two households, a warning sign that he will no longer tolerate any nonsense that arises out of the two families' feud.