William Shakespeare's 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”.