Herkiran Sohal
“ROMEO AND JULIET”ASSIGNMENT
How is the relationship between Lord Capulet and his daughter Juliet presented dramatically in Act 3, Scene 5?
Capulet first appears to be an aggressive man. It can be seen in act 1, scene 1, when there is a brawl on the streets of Verona, that Capulet hastily tries to join the fighting. “Give me my long sword, ho.” Capulet appears to agree with the conflict, and stays loyal to his family name. Capulet seems to be commanding and powerful. “He shall be endured… Am I the master here or you?” Capulet warns Tybalt at the feast, that Tybalt must obey him, as he is the master. He is arrogant and believes himself to be superior.
Lord Capulet reveals a different side to his character when he speaks to Paris regarding Juliet. He is concerned that marriage is too sudden for his daughter. “My child is yet a stranger in the world, she hath not seen the change of fourteen years.” Capulet acts fatherly and protective over his daughter, as would be expected. He also considers Juliet’s feelings about the marriage. “My will to her consent is but a part.” Capulet respects Juliet’s opinions very highly therefore tells Paris he must also woo Juliet’s heart. Capulet is not being careless about the marriage and realises that Juliet is still young.
In act 1, Juliet appears to be the dutiful daughter; she is obviously influenced by her parents and surrounding family members. Juliet is at first very innocent and obedient towards her family and seems very loyal. When Lady Capulet tells Juliet of the plans for her to be married to Paris, she is polite and loyal when answering. “I’ll look to like, if looking liking move; but no more deep will I endart mine eye than your consent gives strength to make it fly.” At this point Juliet is faithful to her family, and respects her parents’ decision of the marriage to Paris.
However, when she meets Romeo, her reactions are surprising. Juliet is very forward with Romeo. She swiftly decides to kiss him, without asking for his name. “You kiss by th’book.” Juliet does not mind that Romeo has kissed her, rather than being shocked by the kiss Juliet praises it. It seems that Juliet has fallen in love with Romeo, at first sight. Later, in ‘the balcony scene’, there is another side to Juliet’s character. Juliet, who is practically engaged to Paris, continues to take an interest in Romeo, even though she is aware that he is a Montague. She quickly proposes to Romeo. “ Thy purpose marriage, send me word tomorrow.” Suddenly, Juliet feels comfortable asking a stranger to marry her - without her parent’s consent. Juliet is willing to risk her family’s reputation and marry Romeo the next day. Not only is Romeo a stranger, but also a Montague. Juliet has disobeyed her family and is increasingly disloyal to her family name. Juliet has placed her love before loyalty towards her family.
