Strength Of Men In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

Strength of Men

It is often presumed that men are supposed to be strong; both mentally, and physically. Nonetheless, when there is an inadequacy of masculine traits in a man, he may be viewed as feminine. This prejudgment causes men to carry attributes that may come across as harsh, or arrogant. Throughout William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet, we are shown from the start how men are characterized with these behaviors. While demonstrating the strength of men, Shakespeare uses the unacceptable display of emotions, degrading of women, and the obligation to physically act in daring situations to imply that men are typically the stronger character.

In this tragedy, we see the use of characterization to portray that the men are supposed

Men often times put themselves above women in order to feel stronger, even if they physically are not. The play starts with Sampson and Gregory discussing the fight that just happened between the Montague’s and Capulet’s. Sampson then says, “’Tis true, and therefore women, being the /Weaker vessels, are ever thrust to the wall” (1.1. 16-17). Sampson plainly discloses the idea that women are weaker than men, and thus continues to make sexual innuendos. By calling women “weaker”, Sampson is indirectly implying that men are stronger. Furthermore, after Tybalt slays Mercutio in a fight on the streets of Verona, Romeo says “O’ sweet Juliet, /Thy beauty hath made me effeminate /And in my temper softened valor’s steel” (3.1. 118-120). Even though this line is indirect, Romeo blames Juliet for his softened disposition, and claims that because of her, he has become delicate. Therefore, he could not muster the courage to fight for himself, justifying his feminine behavior. While talking to the Friar, Romeo expresses his new love for Juliet. It is clear that the Friar finds this childish of Romeo, and he says, “Women may fall when there’s no strength in men” (2.3. 85). The Friar is saying that without men, women would not have enough independence to proficiently live. Unlike other scenes in this play, this one more directly illustrates that the characters are strongly dependent on the strength of men, and they would not construct a complete story without this feature. Even when men are not showing their strength physically, they use their superiority to show their