Romeo And Juliet Attitudes Towards Marriage

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In Romeo and Juliet, written in 1595, there are many differing views towards love and marriage, which contribute to the star-crossed lover’s tragic demise. Shakespeare portrays the social attitudes towards marriage in high status families during the Elizabethan era as not requiring love, only money and status. Despite the family feud, and Romeo and Juliet’s parents’ views, fate does not stop the star-crossed lovers from being together, as they contradict these views and believe love is necessary in marriage.

We first see Lady Capulets outlook on marriage, and she believes Juliet is at the appropriate age to be wed. Lady Capulet has a rational and pragmatic approach towards marriage, Shakespeare depicts this when Lady Capulet says “Thou knowest …show more content…

“So smile the heavens upon this holy act, That after-hours with sorrow chide us not.” Friar Lawrence considers Romeo and Juliet’s marriage holy, although he is aware that bad things could follow. During their marriage Friar Lawrence foreshadows Romeo and Juliet’s deaths when he says “These violent delights have violent ends And in their triumph die, like fire and powder, Which as they kiss consume”. He compares the star-crossed lovers to fire and gunpowder as they ignite another but it doesn’t last. Friar Lawrence could be seen as responsible for the eventual tragedy because of his desperate and incautious plan.

Romeo and Juliet’s attitude towards love changed after meeting, this conveys their impetuous behavior. Before meeting Romeo, Juliet seems disinterested in marriage. However, after meeting and falling love with Romeo, Juliet is interested in the idea of marriage. This sudden shift in Juliet’s attitude depicts her impulsive actions and

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