R&J - Patriarchy

Question 1

1. The patriarchy vs. men and Romeo as an anomaly
2. The patriarchy vs. women and Juliet as an anomaly
3. How the patriarchy creates tragedy

Answer 1

/

Question 2

1. “my naked ________ is out”

Answer 2

weapon

although at first glance this line seems to be written for comedic value, with a use of phallic imagery, immediately presenting the servants obssession with masculinty as crude and childish. However, this is not only a comment on the brawls and masculine conflict hat arose often due to power-play and childish conceptions on what it meant to be a man, but also hints towards the overarching presence of masculinty in Elizabethan society. “weapon” suggests that masculinity and really the patriachy was weaponised and can be viewed as dangerous. NOt only did it cause unecessary violence between men competing for masculine dominance, but also towards women who were oppressed and harmed at the hands of the patriarchy.

Question 3

1. “thrust their _________ to the ______”

Answer 3

maids - wall

Once again we are met with violent language such as “thrust” that has connotations of rape and violence, and we are introduced to the idea of “maidenheads” that is, virginity. More than sex, virginity was highly valueable to men of this period and although to begin with this proves their objectification of women in terms of their sexuality, it also shows a lot about what men really desired: to have complete possession of women’s lives. It’s almost as though by stealing their virginity they have stollen something valueable from the Montagues - women are possessions whether that is a sexual possession or simply a prize to obtain to prove thier own dominance and power.

Question 4

1. “O calm _______, _________ submission”

Answer 4

dishonourable - vile

This was the view of men - although Romeo is an anomally - this demonstrates a positive change in Romeo’s view on his own masculinty as well as the ongoing conflict between the capulets and montagues - Perhaps shakespeare is exploring the way in which love can make people recognise society’s own faults. Whereas, mercutio and tybalt fight out of hate, romeo refuses to do so for his love. “o brawling love, o loving hate” - mirrors the conflcit between instinct and emotion and the “hate” that romeo and juliet are obliged to feel. Shakespeare hints that if more people could embrace love and overcome their hate with it, the violence “bred of an airy” word that leads to the suffering and barbarity within Elizabethan society would not ensue.

Question 5

1. “Saint-seducing ________”

Answer 5

gold

Suggests that Romeo tried to woo Rosaline with money + he placed a price in gold on her virginity + once again reinforces the idea that women are material possessions - “when she dies, with beauty dies her store” - this presents the idea that if not “used” by a aman like some sort of service or tool. a woman is wasted. In an Elizabethan man’s eyes the only thing valueable that a woman possessed was her virginity/beauty.

Question 6

1. “Young men’s love ______ not truly in their ________ but in their _______”

Answer 6

lies - hearts - eyes

The word “lies” could be employed as a pun as Shakespeare hints that what young men names “love” was a dishonest facade for what was really lust. Furthermore, it completely summarises the way relationships functioned in a patriarchal society where men only valued a woman’s beauty. Therefore, it is not truly love that Romeo feels but

Question 7

1. “O sweet Juliet, thy love hath _______ __ ________”

Answer 7

made me effeminate

Question 8

2. “we may think her ________ to be a _________”

Answer 8

ripe - bride

see lord capulet

Question 9

2. “and too soon _______ are those so early ________”

Answer 9

marred - made

Question 10

2. “What _______ canst thou have ________?”

Answer 10

satisfaction - tonight

Although arguably Romeo means for Juliet to agree to meet again or to wed, Juliet naturally believes that Romeo is asking to have sex with her, Juliet naturally believes that Romeo is asking to have sex with her. Juliet playing dumb and acting cluelesss could mark the beginning of Juliet using their relationship to mimic a degree of power she does not really have.

Question 11

2. “When she dies, with _______ dies her ________”

Answer 11

beauty - store

Question 12

2. “Flowered as she was ______ by him”

Answer 12

deflowered

see lord capulet

Question 13

2. “This is my daughter’s ______”

Answer 13

jointure

Question 14

2. “Deny thy father refuse thy name”

Answer 14

/

Question 15

2. “O bid me _______ rather than ________ Paris”

Answer 15

leap - marry

Question 16

2. “I will drag thee on a ________ _______”

Answer 16

hurdle - thither

Question 17

2. “Green - sickness _______”

Answer 17

carrion

Question 18

2. “O happy dagger”

Answer 18

The fact that the dagger is romeo’s highlights Juliets love for him - it has other connotations but in terms of patriarchy it could be a metaphor for Juliet’s death at the hands of the patriarchal society - she was not able to make her own decisions and made impulsive decisions out of desperation and need to escape the reality that she does not have power. So, this led to her untimely death.