The Price Of Hatred In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

The Price of Hatred:

William Shakespeare’s 1595 play Romeo and Juliet follows the plot of two star crossed lovers (1:Prologue:6), Romeo and Juliet, divided by an ancient grudge (1:Prologue:3) that ultimately leads them to take their life (1:Prologue:6). Juliet Capulet, the daughter of one of the feuding households, develops throughout the play from an obedient, ingenuous and sheltered girl to a strong willed, determined, mature and independent woman.

Initially, Juliet is submissive and obedient toward her parents. When Juliet is summoned by her mother she responds politely and with the objective of fulfilling her mother’s requests Madam I am here, what is your will? (1:3:7). When Juliet responds what is you will? (1:3:7) she shows full intent to realise her mother’s demands prior to knowing what they might be. This response foregrounds Juliet’s acquiescent nature and her deference towards her parent’s entreaties.

This is a motif, evident in Act 2 Scene 5 when waiting on the Nurse’s delivery of Romeo’s response to their marriage arrangements. Juliet pesters the Nurse for information during most of the scene and disregards anything the Nurse says about other matters. While being incessantly harassed by Juliet, the Nurse replies with Jesu, what haste! Can you not stay awhile? (2:5:29) highlighting the Nurse’s exasperation with Juliet’s impatience towards her. Juliet implores her Sweet, sweet, sweet Nurse, tell me, what says my love? (2:5:47) and does not desist until she receives a response. This constant harassing until she receives an answer displays Juliet’s immaturity and petulant