Nannies and Nurses in Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Nowadays, mothers are a very important figure in the lives of most people. Nannies, or nurses, are not typically someone who would take the actual place of a mother because the nurses are not always there for a child, but instead only looks after them. This isn’t always the case, in fact, in William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, the nurse is someone who practically takes the place of Juliet’s mother. Throughout the play, she is very kind hearted and a mother like figure to Juliet. Her role during important events shows both her sentimentality and her personality. Although the nurse sometimes shows herself to be inappropriate, she proves to be a very nurturing figure because she is always supportive and is there for those she cares for the most.

The nurse can be identified as a very caring person. Before Romeo tells the nurse the plans for the marriage, the nurse makes herself clears as she warns Romeo, “if you should deal double with her, truly it were an ill/ thing to be offered to any gentlewoman and a very weak dealing” (II.IV. 146-147). The nurse is concerned for Juliet’s well being and proves it in her statement to Romeo. The fact that she holds Juliet’s exciting news to try to decide if Romeo’s love is genuine reveals her caring character because she does not want Juliet to be hurt. Ultimately, this small action the nurse did revealed a lot about her character. Her motherly instinct for Juliet revealed itself in this warning, showing the nurse’s caring personality. In the same way, as Juliet waits to hear the news about Romeo, the nurse interrupts her and says, “Beshrew your heart for sending me about/ to catch my death with jauncing up and down” (II.V.50-51). The nurse claims to have put her life in danger for t...

... middle of paper ...

...e says she has “to fetch a ladder, by which your love/ must climb a bird’s nest soon when it is dark” (II.V. 72-73). Again, the nurse proves herself to be loyal to their relationship because she helps them even though it is against both families. She sets up things to help them get around easier and do what married couples are supposed to do. None of this could have been possible without her so her loyalty is very important. The nurse’s loyalty is clearly shown, especially through the relationship with between her, Romeo, and Juliet.

Overall, the nurse is seen as caring, motherly, and trustworthy. Her nurturing nature is evident in the things she does to help others. She puts others before her, and worries about their well being before anything else. She behaves in a similar manner mothers do nowadays because she protects the person she considers a daughter to her.