Reverse Gender Roles In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

In the play The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, a quintessential pair of teens fall in love, but their fate ends in misfortune. The pair falls in love in a time where women are seen as unimportant and insignificant. In spite of this, Romeo breaks the boundaries of male dominance and shows a more feminine side. Throughout the play, there is an interesting depiction of gender roles that is contrary to the society of the time period.
One clear representation of the reverse gender roles displayed throughout the novel is when Juliet proposes the idea of marriage to Romeo. On the balcony, following Romeo’s profession of love, she states, “Thy purpose marriage, send me word tomorrow” (Rom.2.2.146). During the time of Romeo and

Juliet, men were almost always the ones to propose. However, rather than conforming to the common tradition, Juliet boldly asks for Romeo’s hand in marriage. Juliet breaks the stereotypes of the gender roles of that time period by acting as the dominant figure in the relationship, as opposed to Romeo.
Juliet also demonstrates an opposing gender role when she rejects her father’s demand to marry Paris. Juliet refuses to marry Paris saying, “Not proud you have, but thankful that you have” (Rom.3.5.146). A daughter during the time period was expected to submit to her father’s wishes and do as she was told. Juliet refuses her father’s command, which was considered an uncommon and “unladylike” thing to do. This rebellious behavior shows that Juliet did not follow the standards of a woman during the time, no matter the cost.
Additionally, Shakespeare emphasizes the gender variance of Romeo and Juliet through their deaths. Juliet chooses the masculine route for her death when she says, “O happy dagger”(Rom.5.3.182). While Juliet dies during the violent act of stabbing herself, Romeo dies peacefully through a potion. Juliet is the one who undergoes pain to be with her love, which exemplifies another depiction of the switched gender roles. Romeo’s more graceful death is ironic and exemplifies their lack of conformity.
Through the play, the roles of male and female are very different from those common in the era. Juliet displays the more aggressive and masculine role in the relationship, while Romeo’s role is more submissive. Through this, they show that love does not have to conform to societal expectations and gender roles in order to be authentic.