Familial Relationship In William Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

Time and time again, children have disappointed their parents; it happened in the past, it occurs now, and it will forever weave itself into the fabric of familial relations. The reciprocal always remains true; parents often disappoint their children, whether it be limiting TV time or marrying their child’s uncle. William Shakespeare’s creations have survived the test of time due to their relatability. Shakespeare went on to become one of the most famous writers of all time, despite the fact that historians, “assume neither John nor Mary [Shakespeare] could write” (Mabillard). Despite his illiteracy, the Bard’s father was, “highly esteemed by his fellow townspeople, for he held a series of important posts in local government” (Greenblatt 43).

The classic tale of oppressing children to death remains one of the most dramatic descriptions of tension-filled families, centuries after its first performance. The feud between the Capulets and Montagues spans generations; when Juliet discovers Romeo’s last name, she mourns, “My only love sprung from my only hate!” (I.v.135) She even goes as far to say, “be but sworn my love, And I’ll no longer be a Capulet” (II.i.77-78). From the moment she meets the Montague, love pushes aside her loyalty to family. Her allegiances now side with her husband of mere hours over the family that raised her, proving her fickle nature. Neither half of the couple disappoints their respective family— their union remains a secret with only two other witnesses— until Romeo murders Tybalt and the Prince banishes him from Verona. Although she curses her nurse for blaming Romeo, Juliet never offers to run away with her husband, scared of the unknown road her husband must take. Although Romeo mentions nothing of it, her decision to remain in Verona disappoints, as it cements the relationship’s doomed fate. Not only does Juliet disappoint her husband, one of the two most important men in her life, she disappoints her father, the other most important, by refusing to marry Paris. Her parents, oblivious to their daughter’s change in marital status, cannot comprehend the girl’s outrage and refusal to the respected man’s proposal. The verbal sparring between Juliet and Lord Capulet ends with the elder commanding, “But fettle your fine joints ‘gainst Thursday next To go with Paris to Saint Peter’s Church, Or I with drag thee on a hurdle thither” (III.v.153-155). Women in Shakespeare’s time customarily obeyed all orders, so Juliet’s refusal impresses readers, but creates a major rift in one of Verona’s most elite families. Disappointment follows the girl no matter how she acts: either refusing to marry Paris or exposing her