The Role Of Parents In Romeo And Juliet

In William Shakespeare’s tragic play Romeo and Juliet, two young lovers from opposing households make impetuous decisions which ultimately lead to the suicide of both lovers (Romeo and Juliet). Juliet, one lover, has mentors that fail her in the play because of their ignorance of her emotional needs and growing independence as a teenager. These mentors are Juliet’s former wet nurse and guardian, the Nurse, Juliet’s mother, Lady Capulet, and Juliet’s father, Lord Capulet.
Firstly, Juliet is misguided by the Nurse – a bawdy woman who is too caught up in her own sentimental feelings to support and direct Juliet through hers. She is responsible for encouraging Juliet’s marriage with Romeo (her lover) shortly after they meet, despite knowing that

For instance, in the beginning of the play she suddenly tells Juliet that she wants her to get married and that she has already found a suitor. Lady Capulet claims “Well, think of marriage now. Younger than you / Here in Verona, ladies of esteem, / Are made already mothers… The valiant Paris seeks you for his love” (1.3.70-75). Lady Capulet attempts to force the idea into Juliet’s mind that she should already be married by now, therefore it makes sense that she should soon be married to Paris. This is how parents usually speak with young ones, to ensure that they behave correctly. However, in this case, Juliet is old enough to have a conversation with Lady Capulet regarding important endeavors such as marriage. In addition, Lady Capulet reproaches Juliet for grieving shortly after the loss of Tybalt and the banishment of Romeo. She states that “Some grief shows much of love, / But much of grief shows still some want of wit” (3.5.72-73). Essentially, Juliet’s mother is saying that Juliet is being stupid because she has expressed her sadness – something that is in fact healthy for everyone to do. Juliet has just lost her cousin and the love of her life has been banished from her city. Also, to make matters more difficult, she is an adolescent, and therefore feels emotions even more strongly. For all these reasons, it is extremely insensitive for Lady Capulet to tell Juliet that those who grieve lack intelligence. Furthermore, Lady Capulet abandons Juliet in the time where she needs her mother the most – when she is being threatened by Lord Capulet to marry Paris. Rather than at least conversing about it with her daughter, Juliet’s mother instead declares “Talk not to me, for I’ll not speak a word, / Do as thou wilt, for I have done with thee” (3.5.203-04). Lady Capulet shut down Juliet’s attempts to discuss her own marriage, ignorant of