Tuesday, September 1, 2015

What the is the relationship between Juilet and her mom in "Romeo and Juliet"?

The relationship could at worst be called cold, but would probably best be called "formal".  They are not warm with one another.  Their is no trust and comfort between them.  Juliet has been, in the custom of the time, raised by her Nurse, who not only breastfed Juliet, but also served as her confidante and comforter.  The proof of this is evident when Juliet seeks out the Nurse for assistance in securing Romeo. 

However, the scenes between Juliet and Lady Capulet show two people who are mere acquaintances.  When Lady Capulet approaches Juliet about the idea of marriage, she is not comfortable to do so without the Nurse present.  Juliet's responses to her mother are short and obedient - she calls marriage an "honor" and promises to be ruled by her parents' consent.  Later, after Tybalt's death, Lady Capulet comes to Juliet in the belief that she is bringing news that will comfort Juliet.  In this scene, as she tells Juliet of the impending marriage to Romeo, Juliet is sarcastic and deceitful in her answers, and much less obedient.  Now she is married, she has no use for her mother, and has no sense of loyalty to her.  Lady Capulet does not know her daughter enough to realize she is lying.

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