Juliet Flashcards
Juliet introduction
The eponymous character of Juliet is used as a vehicle to expose the limitations placed in women within a patriarchal society, whereby women have little autonomy their lives, as Shakespeare continually exposes how all of Juliet’s decisions are made by men. We find that as the play progresses Juliet begins to lose restraint as she makes rash decisions, Shakespeare uses this to criticise excessively passionate behaviour and how acting recklessly out of love can have an equally negative consequences and acting recklessly out of hate.
What does the fact that she is introduced indirectly by Paris and Lord Capulet discussing her hand in marriage reflect?
This reflects the subordinate position of women in a patriarchal society, and particularly the traditional views that daughters were a commodity and could be used in marriage to forge useful alliances
“It is an honour that I dream not of’
Ostensibly Juliet appears an acquiescent and obedient daughter, implying that she has not yet considered the prospect of marriage as her parents have not dictated her to do so. The noun ‘honour’ implies that in keeping with her parents’ views, marriage should be deemed a privilege, something that brings pride and respect. Alternatively, however, this could be an act of subtle defiance, with Juliet using the double mess of her language to imply she does not wish to marry at all. While Juliet’s words and actions exemplify the behaviour expected of her, laid out in 16th century conduct books. Shakespeare hints from the offset that Juliet is forces to repress her own desired im order to satisfy her parents’ will. Shakespeare hoped to challenge the unrealistic expectations placed on women in the 16th century, and questions the lack of autonomy they were afforded over their own lives.
“I’ll look to like if looking like move,but no more will I end art mine eye, than your consent gives strength to make it fly”
Emphasises her submissive nature. There is doubleness from Juliet, as ostensibly she is compliant to her parents wishes, as she has to follow the conduct book, but there is an implication that she might not like him when she meets him. Through Juliet’s clever ways of navigating around the patriarchal society to somewhat express her opinion, Shakespeare is able to expose the limitations placed on women within a patriarchal society, whereby women have little autonomy over their own lives.
“O swear not by the moon, the inconsistent moon, that changes in her circled orbit, lest that thy prove likewise variable”
Alludes to the sincerity and commitment she must find within her relationships in order to protect her chastity and virtue. She shows restraint as she recognises that lovers make impulsive promises in the moment and not mean it later so she has to make it clear she wants sincerity. Shakespeare uses Juliet’s attentiveness to emphasise how women in a patriarchal society had many limitations upon them restricting them of complete autonomy, as women were seen to be the ones to bring families to shame.
“Swear by thy gracious self, which is the god of my idolatry”
She deifies Romeo through try nouns “god” and “idolatry”, emphasising how she is being consumed by this love that she is elevating Romeo’s status to equal Gods. The contemporary audience at the time would look down upon this blasphemous nature- blasphemy is seen to be an unforgivable sin, so the contemporary audience may see this as foreshadowing that the lovers lives are bound to end tragically as a punishment for their actions/sins.
“Too rash, too unadvised, too sudden, too like the lightning”
Use of the diacope emphasises how spontaneous and rushed their fickle relationship is. The noun ‘lightning: emphasises her fear of insincerity as the love might be fleeting.
“Give me, give me”
The repetition of the imperative “give me” emphasises her desperation, as taking the poison has became her last resort to be with Romeo, showing that love has made her irrational. Shakespeare uses this to critique excessively passionate behaviour and how acting out of recklessly out of love can have an equally as negative consequence as acting recklessly out of hate.
What does their quick marriage emphasise?
The theme of rush time is further reflected through the briefness of Romeo and Juliet‘s marriage foreshadowing the ill-fated they face. Through the dramatic irony of the impulsive nature Shakespeare is able to criticise excessively passionate behaviour highlighting her acting recklessly out of love kind of equally negative consequence as acting recklessly out of hate
“Good night, goodnight”
The use of the repetition shows her trying to get back her restraint, however she is too exhilarated by this love that she has been given.
