nurse Flashcards
Nurse quote 1
“Thou wast the prettiest babe that e’er I nursed/and I might live to see thee married once I have my wish.”
The Nurse’s affectionate tone and superlative “prettiest babe” reveal her maternal love and emotional attachment to Juliet, suggesting she sees her as more than just a servant’s duty. The personal verb “nursed” reinforces their intimate bond, showing how the Nurse views herself as Juliet’s true mother figure, which adds emotional
Nurse quote 2
she warns Romeo with being careful with Juliet’s heart, “If ye should lead her into a fool’s paradise, as they say, it were a very gross kind of behaviour”, the phrase “fool’s paradise” implies deceit masked as joy, highlighting her fear Juliet may be misled by love.
Nurse quote 3
“must climb a bird’s nest soon when it’s dark; I am the drudge, and toil in your delight,” – act 2
.Referring to Juliet’s bedroom as a “bird’s nest” and speaking of Romeo climbing it at night is filled with innuendo, showing the Nurse’s bawdy humour. However, calling herself a “drudge” who “toils” for Juliet’s pleasure also reveals the emotional and physical labour she puts into Juliet’s happiness. It shows her devotion, but also suggests she feels underappreciated—highlighting the imbalance in their relationship and her role as both caregiver and servant.
Nurse quote 4
“Romeo is banish’d; and all the world to nothing / That he dares ne’er come back to challenge you”, presents how quickly she abandons hope in him, revealing her practical outlook. Shakespeare uses this to highlight the contrast between romantic idealism (Juliet) and adult realism (the Nurse), intensifying the Nurse realisation of the consequences of previous her careless attitude towards this elicit marriage.
Nurse quote 5
O lamentable day…O heavy day….O woeful day”, the repetition of the apostrophe “O”, captures the weight of the Nurse’s mourning and loss, extenuating that this scene marks the final appearance of Nurse as without Juliet her purpose is now obsolete, inviting the audience to see her in a pitiful light.
