Romeo And Juliet Play Analysis

Romeo and Juliet – An inspector calls

J.B Priestley and William Shakespeare’s world-renowned plays ‘an inspector calls’ and ‘Romeo and Juliet’ discuss the importance of: class, gender and materialism. Both Shakespeare and Priestley use different emotions to present the relationship between children and their parents. In both plays, it is evident that parents use emotion as a way of communicating with their children.

Firstly, both playwrights show parents using aggression to attempt to indoctrinate their children. In ‘an inspector calls’ this is shown when Mr Birling attempts to intimidate his son, Eric. When Eric is distressed and angered by his mother; Mr Birling cuts in and says “why you hysterical young fool - get back – or I’ll-” this

implies that Mr Birling is endeavouring to inculcate his son and wants him to abide by the social expectations that were enforced upon the younger generation. The adjective “hysterical” connotes someone who is distraught, uncontrollable and frantic. This reveals Eric as a very rebellious character as he challenges his father’s views on society. However this notion reinforces that Mr Birling has no respect for his son as he continuously patronises Eric. Nevertheless, the audience’s perception refutes Mr Birling’s statement as Eric (to the audience’s knowledge) is more politically aware than his father. Ironically, the adjective “young” implies that Eric is, according to his father, immature and innocent. The imperative ‘get back’ emphasizes that Mr Birling tries to use his authority as a parent to manipulate his son. It further reveals that he is ready to transcend to such an extent that he is willing to use physical force. Nonetheless, we see that Mr Birling’s supremacy is undermined by the inspector because a dash is used to indicate that Mr Birling gets interrupted by the inspector. This suggests that Mr Birling’s ultimatum has been suppressed by the inspector. This leaves the impression that Mr Birling has completely lost any parental power as his only option to interact with his son is to use physical violence. During the Edwardian era parents safeguarded their children; Priestley has done this to illustrate the immense distinction of generations in the Edwardian era. Just for the sake of his status, Mr Birling is so desperate, that he is willing to abide by societal expectations, even though, he is fully aware that It will endanger his relationship with his own son. Since this represents a higher-class family during 1912; a post 1945 audience would have felt frustrated by Mr Birling’s egocentric attitude, and felt empathy towards Eric; who symbolises a change, as he isn’t overwhelmed by conformity.
Similarly, this is reinforced in ‘Romeo and Juliet’ when Capulet attempts to intimidate Juliet. When Capulet says “speak not, reply not, do not answer me; my fingers itch” This reveals that Capulet is oppressing Juliet; he is so infuriated by Juliet’s declaration that Capulet is denying her any power to speak her mind. The verb ‘itch’ connotes aggravation and annoyance. This shows that when Juliet refuses to marry for status; Capulet is convinced that he must use physical violence to control her. The imperative “speak not” reinforces that Capulet is denying Juliet any right to speak; he is using his power as a parent to frighten Juliet. Additionally, it shows that Capulet is willing to cause harm to her beloved daughter just for the sake of his self-centred views. However, In Act 1 Scene 2, Lord Capulet is seen as being over protective of Juliet as he (by the audience’s knowledge) wants the best for his daughter; a wealthy and joyful future ahead. When Capulet’s predominance is challenged by Juliet, Capulet is almost saying obey me or else... The audience experiences Juliet’s strong love for Romeo as she is brave enough to even show the slightest of obedience. A Shakespearian audience would perceive Juliet’s views preposterous as during that time, marrying for love was seen as a ludicrous act. Nevertheless, a modern day audience would feel sympathy towards Juliet as she is literally being forced into marrying Paris; whom she has no affection towards. Shakespeare has done this to reveal Lord Capulet’s true character as he now comes across as a very antagonistic father, when her daughter isn’t complying; he is pushed to his limits, to such an extent, that he’s verbally abusing his daughter. During the Elizabethan era, due to the patriarchal society at the time, the male in the household were supposed to have full authority over their children and being compliant towards your father meant that his image would be the disdained.
Secondly, it is evident in both playwrights show that parents view love as a very fictitious emotion as both parents use their daughters to gain more prominence. In ‘an inspector calls’ Mr Birling’s uses Sheila’s marriage to Gerald, to progress up the social and economic ladder. When Mr Birling says “your engagement to Sheila means a tremendous lot to me” this reveals that Mr Birling proclaims that his daughters’ marriage with Gerald will bring her endless riches and joy; however it can also suggest that Mr Birling is delighted by the fact that his daughter is marrying his rival’s son, which would bring him more eminence in the industrial business. The pronoun ‘me’ is particularly significant because it strengthens the image of Mr Birling being a narcissist, it reveals that he’s consenting to his daughters marriage if it means he will gain more prestige and shows that Mr Birling is using Sheila and Gerald’s fabricated “love” to obscure his true intentions, the audience are presented with Sheila and Gerald’s relationship as being very loving, however their views change, when Sheila finds out the truth about Gerald’s affair, because their true emotions are revealed. It will emphasize Mr Birling’s true goal; a post 1945 audience will feel disgusted by his avaricious views. Priestley has done this to show how acquisitive upper-class families were; he may have wanted to emphasize that although fathers loved their daughters, they still manipulated their daughters to become more materialistic. During the Edwardian era, patriarchy (as in Romeo and Juliet) was still existent and children had to stay submissive to their parents’ beliefs. Both Priestley and Shakespeare present children defying against their parents views, which can suggest that they both wanted to show that the younger generation represents a revolution against society.
Likewise, in the beginning of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Lord Capulet is seen as a very over-protective father who cares about his daughter’s future.

Capulet says “She is the hopeful lady of my earth” followed by “let two more summers wither in their pride. Ere we may think her ripe to be a bride” This suggests that Capulet feels sympathetic for Juliet as it implies that Juliet is too young to be married. Still, it can also suggest that Capulet is using Juliet’s: beauty, purity and youth as a way of presenting her as almost a material. Just as Paris wants Juliet for her social status; Capulet is aware that Paris will invest his family with pride and Juliet’s fortune. The word ‘Hopeful’ has multiple connotations; it may imply that Capulet is certain that Juliet will empower him with authority. It further reveals that Capulet’s attitude towards love is non-existent; he is more worried about political concerns. The true meaning as to why Capulet might treasure Juliet may be because of the fact that he sees her as almost a commodity. An Elizabethan audience would feel that Capulet is a very dominant father and that he has the right to choose whoever his daughter must marry, even, without her consent. A modern audience would feel irritated by Capulet’s deceitful character, and would feel bewildered by Capulet, as they are unaware of his true colours. Shakespeare has done this to illustrate that Capulet is the only one to decide who Juliet marries, and without Capulet’s approval, Juliet’s efforts are fruitless. During the Elizabethan era, influential families didn’t marry for love, but rather social

position.
Thirdly, in both plays, both parents show indifference towards their children’s views. In ‘an inspector calls’ Mr Birling doesn’t show aggression towards his daughter, Sheila, but rather ignorance. Sheila Birling is seen as having a facade throughout the play, after realising the truth, whilst Mr Birling refuses to learn of his responsibilities, Sheila dismisses her social class and feels responsible for their shameful acts. Sheila says “it frightens me the way you talk” which suggests that she is astonished over her father’s egoistical actions. The verb “frighten” has connotations of shocked and alarmed which is useful in its context because it shows that she is agitated by the fact that despite all the drama, her parents haven’t learnt anything.