Romeo And Juliet Static Character Analysis

Zach St. Laurent

Mrs. Duga

Period 5 English

5/23/14

Romeo and Juliet

The Shakespearean tragedy of Romeo and Juliet is today regarded as not only one of William Shakespeare greatest works but also as one of the best tragedies ever to be composed. Although written over four hundred years ago in Elizabethan era, this timeless classic of two star crossed lovers that are driven to their own demise by an ancient feud between the Montagues’ and Capulets’ and the lovers young, unknowing nature. However, with all of the praise comes discrepancies. For generations there have been arguments of Romeo’s role in the play, who was the biggest cause of Romeo and Juliet’s death as well as if Romeo and Juliet can even be considered a tragedy. One of the biggest controversies, however, has been over whether the lead female protagonist, Juliet Capulet is a dynamic or static character. Although at times it may seem unclear, there is strong evidence that Juliet develops throughout the story despite the quickly moving plot. Change is not measured by how long it takes but by how much it makes an impact.

One of the most common counter arguments to this statement is that the character of Juliet was never innocent and therefore could not have grown into a women throughout the story, especially in the short time period which the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet takes place. However, it is through Juliet’s dialogue that we are able to clearly determine that she was innocent and develops throughout the story. The contrast between when we first are introduced to the character of Juliet and later in the story is undeniable. One example is Juliet’s thoughts on marriage. In Act 1 Scene 3, Juliet describes marriage as “an honour that I dream not of.” This is proof th...

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... Juliet’s growth from a reliant child to an independent women.

When you think about Juliet in her entirety, it at first may seem unclear whether she is dynamic. However, under closer examination we can see through her dialogue as well as her actions and a number of other factors that Juliet grows through her entire adolescent stage very quickly. These changes allow the story to progress and develop. Think of what this story would have been like without Juliet as a dynamic character. If Juliet had stayed as innocent and content as she was in the beginning of the story none of the brash decisions that led up to the death. There would be no marriage to Romeo, No insane plan to fake her death and run away from him. Most importantly there would not have been a double suicide at the end of the tragedy. If Juliet doesn’t show change, is Romeo and Juliet even a tragedy?