Maternal Flashcards
How does Shakespeare present maternal relationships?
R&J used as a vehicle to condemn fractious maternal relationship present in upper-class during Renaissance.
How is this done?
Through portrayal of Juliet’s relationship w/ Lady Capulet in contrast w/ pseudo maternal relationship w/ Nurse. Difference is emphasised by Juliet’s differing attitudes towards both women.
Why does Shakespeare do this?
Advising upper-class mothers to remain close to children to create healthier relationships.
In the opening of the play…
“Nurse, come back again” (outsider more suited for discussions about pivotal moments such as marriage, more connected)
“You shall behold him” (imperative, L.C. forces opinion rather than suggesting)
“Well, think of marriage now” (gives no time to consider, condemnation of treatment like an object)
“Go girl, seek happy nights to happy days”
As the play progresses…
Places focus on disconnect between J & L.C
“Madam, I am not well”
“shall you feel them loss, but not the friend ‘ Which you weep for” (accused of being selfish, no appreciation for J’s emotions)
“the villain lives which slaughtered him”
“And then, I hope, thou wilt be satisfied” (uncertainty, no conviction. Contemporary sympathetic for J, incompetent mum. Upper class renaissance sympathetic for L.C. as she is trying to help)
Power struggle - fluctuating amount of lines, not accommodating
As the play comes to a close…
“sweetheart” vs “daughter”
“Help, help! My lady’s dead!”
“lamentable” (grief-stricken) vs “woeful” (not same extent of despair)
“She’s dead, deceas’d, she’s dead, Alack the day” (stronger emotional reaction)
