Romeo and Juliet

Romeo And Juliet

Romeo and Juliet is a Tragedy of two “star-crossed loves’” destine to be together. The “two households, both alike in dignity” but drawn apart by an “ancient grudge.” The lovers’ death is caused by many a reason of haste, society, hierarchy, religion, time, loyalty, honour and education. The characters themselves all have a part to play in the deaths.

Children in Elizabethan time were bought up to respect and obey their parents. Children called their mum her “ladyship.” Girls were allowed to marry at twelve and boys at fourteen. Wives remained the property of their husband and were often treated as objects. “Women being the weaker vessels are ever thrust to the wall” Men were head of the household and women had to obey and respect them. In them days the plague was around which prevented Romeo getting the letter

Looking at the characters we can see how they might of influenced the outcome of the play. Romeo is a young impulsive boy; his maturity grows when he meets Juliet. Romeo is very shallow because at the banquet he is stunned by Juliet’s beauty that he immediately dumps Roseline. Romeo has “ne’er saw true beauty till this night,” and becomes dedicated to Juliet. Juliet is a young intelligent pretty girl. She was obedient and a respectable girl, until Romeo became the focus of her life. When she married Romeo she was prepared to take risks for love and was independent.

Friar Lawrence is a priest and it is his plan that went wrong and caused the final tragedy. Friar Lawrence gets too personally involved and goes out of character. He is too optimistic and over ambitious. He hopes the marriage will end the feuding of the two families.

The nurse treats Juliet as the daughter she once had. She is Juliet’s confidante and helper for the play. She makes us laugh and is an easy target.

Family values and hierarchy were important at that time. Lord Capulet, head of the household was a wealthy man and married a younger woman. Lady Capulet seems to think of marriage as a business, so she wants her daughter Juliet to get married as soon as possible. Lady Capulet is unsympathetic and unaffectionate to Juliet. Paris is a young, honourable man, but just assumes Juliet will love him. Traditionally in them days Paris went to Lord Capulet to ask him about his “suit”. In other words the request to marry Juliet. Lord Capulet refused though saying, “my will to her consent is but a part; and she agreed.” So he won’t agree unless Juliet agrees. Lord Capulet later on speaks to Paris. Paris agrees to the marriage “Commend me to your daughter” and Lord Capulet arranges a date. The date is three days away on a “Thursday” The re-arranged marriage is rushed. Lord Capulet tells Paris “I think she will be ruled in all my respect by me.” He gets his wife to tell Juliet. Lord Capulet sudden change of heart was to Juliet’s grief, which ironically, they link to Tybalt’s death. Lord Capulet thinks it will cheer her up. Juliet’s mother wants her to marry Paris by telling Juliet “the valiant Paris seeks you for his love,” and complements him in everyway. She says ”marry, my child, early next Thursday morn,” Juliet tries to convince her ladyship “Paris shall not make me a joyful bride.” And wonders “at this haste.” She also states “I will not marry yet and when I do, “I swear it to Romeo.” When Lord Capulet finds out Juliet won’t marry Paris he goes into a rage. He shouts “disobedient wretch.” “are you mad.” The father says “get to church a Thursday,” or “never after look me in the face.” So the dad is giving Juliet an altimatsion. He is mad and calls her a “curse in having her” meaning bring them bad luck and a hassle.

At the Banquet Tybalt sees Romeo and is spoiling for a fight but Lord Capulet says Romeo “shall be endured” meaning left alone. Tybalt tries to disobey him, but Lord Capulet gets mad and shouts, “Am I the master here, or you?” He is stating his control. This then leads to the fight between Mercutio, Tybalt and Romeo.

Loyalty is a huge factor for the outcome of the play. Mercutio picks a fight with Tybalt, who wants to fight Romeo. Romeo tries to prevent the fight, “Tybalt, the reason that I have to love thee doth much excuse the appertaining rage such a greeting. Villain am I none; therefore fare-well, I see thou knowest me not.” Romeo won’t fight with Tybalt because he has just married Juliet so Tybalt is his cousin, but he doesn’t know it. Mercutio at this stage steps in disgusted at Romeo for not fighting and takes Tybalt on himself. Mercutio is fatally wounded but describes it as “a scratch” and it is not as “deep as a well” nor as “wide as a church.” He then realises its bad and his going to die,