Wednesday, August 18, 2010

How does Shakespeare present the character of Juliet throughout the play?

Throughout the play, Juliet is presented as level-headed, but headstrong. At the beginning of the play, the Nurse and Lady Capulet discuss the prospect of marriage with Juliet. Lady Capulet conducts this discussion in order to promote Paris as a suitor, and although she initially put off by this prospect, Juliet nevertheless listens to her mother and the Nurse, promising to consider Paris despite not being particularly fond of him. In this instance, Juliet proves herself to be thoughtful by her willingness to listen to her elders. Later, Juliet secretly marries Romeo. Juliet marries Romeo despite being fully aware of the possible consequences of her actions, and in this way, Juliet is very idealistic. This romantic idealism contrasts with Juliet’s level-headed pragmatism, and in order to reconcile these oppositions, Juliet stubbornly refuses to give up her love, regardless of consequence.

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