Ideal Women In Romeo And Juliet
Women during the Middle Ages complied to a strict code that told them exactly how they were to act, dress, and even think. This code of conduct defined the qualities of an “ideal woman” as described in the “Of Household Government.” In this code of conduct, “strong” and “self-sufficient” were unlikely words used to describe an ideal woman of the Middle Ages. As a result, strong, mature, and independent women were uncommon during this time period. In William Shakespeare’s play, Romeo & Juliet, the character of Juliet Capulet possesses many qualities that both demonstrate and contradict the qualities of an ideal woman of her time.
Juliet displays many of the qualities of an ideal woman of the time period through her words and actions. Early …show more content…
Juliet’s marriage to Romeo truly taints her innocence. Juliet commits a sin when she marries Romeo without her parents consent: “Daughters, as being weaker by nature, and more unable to provide for themselves: and therefore it is necessary, that they should not marry without the consent and direction of their parents but that they be bestowing: for to do otherwise is a sin.” (Of Household Government 353) Furthermore, Juliet’s marriage puts her in a position where she is able to make many more of her own decisions. Juliet exercises her freedom in Act 3, Scene 2. When Juliet hears that Romeo has killed Tybalt and is now banished, she speaks ill of Romeo. Later, Juliet scolds herself for not being loyal to her husband: “Oh, what a beast was I to chide at him!” (3.2.95) With this, Juliet makes the bold decision to remain loyal and faithful to Romeo. Again, Juliet challenges the fact of a woman being unable to provide for herself in Act 3, Scene 5. Lord Capulet decides to move Juliet and Paris’s wedding to an earlier date, thinking it will make Juliet feel better. Consequently, Juliet, in fear, exhibits a strong act of disobedience by refusing to marry Paris. Betrayed, Juliet turns away from the advice of the Nurse and decides to go to Friar Lawrence on her own. She then lies to the Nurse and her parents by saying she
Juliet displays many of the qualities of an ideal woman of the time period through her words and actions. Early …show more content…
Juliet’s marriage to Romeo truly taints her innocence. Juliet commits a sin when she marries Romeo without her parents consent: “Daughters, as being weaker by nature, and more unable to provide for themselves: and therefore it is necessary, that they should not marry without the consent and direction of their parents but that they be bestowing: for to do otherwise is a sin.” (Of Household Government 353) Furthermore, Juliet’s marriage puts her in a position where she is able to make many more of her own decisions. Juliet exercises her freedom in Act 3, Scene 2. When Juliet hears that Romeo has killed Tybalt and is now banished, she speaks ill of Romeo. Later, Juliet scolds herself for not being loyal to her husband: “Oh, what a beast was I to chide at him!” (3.2.95) With this, Juliet makes the bold decision to remain loyal and faithful to Romeo. Again, Juliet challenges the fact of a woman being unable to provide for herself in Act 3, Scene 5. Lord Capulet decides to move Juliet and Paris’s wedding to an earlier date, thinking it will make Juliet feel better. Consequently, Juliet, in fear, exhibits a strong act of disobedience by refusing to marry Paris. Betrayed, Juliet turns away from the advice of the Nurse and decides to go to Friar Lawrence on her own. She then lies to the Nurse and her parents by saying she