Female Friendships

Question 1

Overview

Answer 1

Shakespeare presents female friendships as complex through Juliet, LC and the nurse’s relationships, which reflect support and tension, highlighting the constraints placed on women

Question 2

T.W.T.P.B.T.E.I.N

Answer 2

THOU WAST THE PRETTIEST BABE THAT E’ER I NURSED

nostalgic tone reflects Nurse’s maternal affection

superlative emphasises depth her fondness

trust highlights intimate nature

Question 3

G.G.S.H.N.T.H.D

Answer 3

GO, GIRL, SEEK HAPPY NIGHTS TO HAPPY DAYS

repetition underlines Nurse’s wish for Juliet’s happiness

encouragement of sexual exploration

light-hearted tone adds humour and warmth

Question 4

R.A.D.T.H.A.E.M

Answer 4

ROMEO’S A DISHCLOTH TO HIM. AN EAGLE. MADAM

animal imagery, practicality over idealism

derogatory metaphor suggests Nurse’s growing disapproval

shift in tone illustrates breakdown

Question 5

I.T.I.B.Y.M.W.T.C

Answer 5

I THINK IT BEST YOU MARRIED WITH THE COUNT

pragmatic language is contrasting

irony, despite earlier encouragement of love

tone of finality + her betrayal of Juliet’s trust

Question 6

T.K.M.D.O.A.P.A

Answer 6

THOU KNOW’ST MY DAUGHTER’S OF A PRETTY AGE

formal tone shows LC’s detachment

possessive pronoun

indirect speech shows lack of intimacy

Question 7

I.W.T.F.W.M.T.H.G

Answer 7

I WOULD THE FOOL WERE MARRIED TO HER GRAVE

shows LC’s harshness

metaphor illustrates LC’s view of duty over empathy

dismissive tone reinforces isolation

Question 8

O.M.W.F

Answer 8

O MOST WICKED FIEND!

Exclamatory outburst reflects sense of betrayal

religious imagery equates nurse’s betrayal

Juxtaposition as early affection contrast condemnation