romeo and juliet parents essay

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The Parents' Roles In The Deaths Of Romeo And Juliet

1. introduction.

The tragic deaths of Romeo and Juliet have captivated audiences for centuries, and the role of their parents in their untimely demise is a topic of much debate and analysis. In this essay, we will delve into the complex dynamics between the parents of Romeo and Juliet and the significant influence they wielded over their children's lives. By examining the historical and social background of the play, we can gain a deeper understanding of the factors that contributed to the parents' roles in the tragic outcome. The significance of parental influence will also be explored, as we analyze the ways in which the actions and decisions of the parents directly impacted the lives of Romeo and Juliet. The intense feud between the Capulets and Montagues further complicates the parental influence, highlighting the broader social and cultural forces at play. Through a comprehensive examination of these factors, we aim to shed light on the intricate web of familial, societal, and historical influences that ultimately led to the heartbreaking fate of the young lovers.

1.1. Background of Romeo and Juliet

The background of Romeo and Juliet is crucial to understanding the events that unfold in the play. Set in Verona, Italy, the story revolves around the feud between the Capulet and Montague families, which has been ongoing for years. This animosity between the two households sets the stage for the tragic fate of the young lovers, Romeo and Juliet. Additionally, the societal norms and expectations of the time play a significant role in shaping the decisions and actions of the characters. The play is also marked by themes of love, fate, and the consequences of impulsive behavior. Furthermore, the background of Romeo and Juliet includes the influence of the time period in which the play is set. The societal structures and expectations, particularly concerning marriage and family honor, heavily impact the characters' choices. Additionally, the political and religious tensions of the time contribute to the volatile environment in which the story unfolds. Understanding the historical and cultural context of the play provides valuable insights into the motivations and conflicts of the characters, shedding light on the events that lead to the tragic conclusion of the play.

1.2. Significance of Parental Influence

The parental influence in the tragic deaths of Romeo and Juliet is of significant importance in Shakespeare's play. The influence of Lord Capulet and Lady Capulet on Juliet, and that of Lord Montague and Lady Montague on Romeo, is a central theme throughout the story. The decisions, actions, and expectations of the parents directly impact the choices and fates of their children. The overbearing nature of Lord Capulet and his determination to control Juliet's life, including her marriage to Paris, drives Juliet to take extreme measures to avoid this fate. On the other hand, the distant and neglectful parenting of Lord Montague and Lady Montague contributes to Romeo's emotional turmoil and impulsive decisions. Both sets of parents play a significant role in creating the circumstances that lead to the tragic end of the young lovers. Through their actions, the parents hold a mirror to the societal norms and expectations of the time, highlighting the restrictive and controlling nature of parental influence in the lives of their children. This examination of parental authority and its impact on the younger generation remains a relevant and thought-provoking theme, resonating with audiences across centuries. Ultimately, the significance of parental influence in Romeo and Juliet serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of parental control gone awry.

2. Parental Control and Influence

In Shakespeare’s tragedy "Romeo and Juliet", the parental control and influence play a significant role in the lives and deaths of the young lovers. Lord and Lady Capulet exerted a strong influence over Juliet, dictating her choices and ultimately contributing to the tragic outcome of the story. Their control over Juliet's life, including their attempts to force her into a marriage with Paris against her will, led to her desperate measures to escape their authority, and ultimately to her untimely death. On the other hand, Lord and Lady Montague also had a level of control over Romeo, albeit in a different manner. Their concern for his well-being and their efforts to guide his actions were well-intentioned, but their influence also contributed to the fateful chain of events. Their attempt to steer Romeo away from his infatuation with Rosaline inadvertently led him to encounter Juliet, thereby setting the stage for the tragic love story that unfolds. These parental figures’ control and influence over their children underscores the theme of generational conflict and the consequences of parental interference in the lives of their offspring.

2.1. Lord and Lady Capulet's Control over Juliet

Lord and Lady Capulet play a significant role in the tragic deaths of Romeo and Juliet through their control over Juliet. Throughout the play, they exercise authority and influence over their daughter, shaping her decisions and ultimately contributing to the tragic outcome. Their control is evident when Lord Capulet arranges Juliet's marriage to Paris without her consent. He insists that it is for her own benefit, disregarding her feelings and desires. Lady Capulet also supports this decision, showing their united front in controlling Juliet's fate. Their strict and uncompromising parenting style leaves Juliet feeling isolated and helpless, unable to confide in her parents about her love for Romeo. Furthermore, Juliet's fear of defying her parents and the societal norms they uphold pushes her to seek desperate measures in the form of Friar Laurence's plan. The level of control exerted by Lord and Lady Capulet over Juliet ultimately leads to her secrecy and deception, resulting in tragic consequences for both her and Romeo. In conclusion, Lord and Lady Capulet's control over Juliet reflects a larger theme of parental influence and its detrimental effects on the young lovers. Their actions and decisions contribute significantly to the tragic outcome, highlighting the destructive nature of familial control and the consequences it can have on the lives of young individuals.

2.2. Lord and Lady Montague's Control over Romeo

Lord and Lady Montague exert a significant amount of control over their son, Romeo, throughout the play. Their authority and influence over him are evident in several key instances. For example, in the opening scene of the play, Lord Montague is deeply concerned about Romeo's melancholy and reclusive behavior. He confides in Benvolio, expressing his worry for Romeo's well-being and the need to understand the cause of his distress. This demonstrates the extent of Lord Montague's concern and involvement in his son's life. Similarly, Lady Montague also exhibits a strong desire to oversee Romeo's actions. When she learns of Romeo's whereabouts from the Nurse, she worries about his safety and whereabouts. Her concern for his well-being reflects her desire to be actively involved in his life. Additionally, the couple's own feud with the Capulets serves as a significant factor in shaping Romeo's destiny. Their long-standing rivalry influences Romeo's decisions and ultimately leads to tragic consequences. Overall, Lord and Lady Montague's control over Romeo is palpable throughout the play, impacting his choices and contributing to the unfortunate demise of both Romeo and Juliet. Their influence over him highlights the theme of parental authority and its effects on the lives of their children.

3. Parental Conflict and Feud

In the play "Romeo and Juliet", the parental conflict and feud between the Capulets and Montagues play a significant role in the tragic deaths of the young lovers. The long-standing rivalry between the two families sets the stage for the events that ultimately lead to the demise of Romeo and Juliet. The feud creates an environment of violence, hatred, and division, which directly impacts the lives of the young couple. The ongoing conflict between the parents sets the tone for the entire play, creating a backdrop of tension and animosity that permeates every aspect of the story. The feud between the Capulets and Montagues serves as a major obstacle to Romeo and Juliet's love, forcing them to keep their relationship a secret and ultimately leading to their untimely deaths. The hostility between the two families not only influences the decisions and actions of the young lovers but also directly contributes to the series of events that lead to the tragic conclusion of the play. The parental conflict serves as a driving force behind the actions of the main characters, highlighting the destructive consequences of unresolved animosity and the impact it can have on the lives of the younger generation. The feud between the parents ultimately becomes a catalyst for the tragic fate of Romeo and Juliet, underscoring the destructive power of longstanding conflict and the profound influence of parental actions on their children's lives. This section will delve into the deep-seated animosity between the Capulets and Montagues and examine its direct influence on the lives and deaths of Romeo and Juliet.

3.1. The Feud between the Capulets and Montagues

The feud between the Capulets and Montagues is a significant factor in the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. The longstanding conflict between these two noble families creates a hostile and divisive atmosphere in Verona. The origins of the feud are never fully disclosed, but its effects are deeply felt throughout the play. It not only influences the behavior of the adult characters but also shapes the decisions and fates of Romeo and Juliet. The feud manifests through the actions of the Capulet and Montague patriarchs, who are quick to engage in physical and verbal altercations. These confrontations set the tone for broader conflicts and perpetuate a culture of violence amongst their respective households. Their enmity casts a shadow over the city, affecting the actions of other characters and contributing to an environment in which the secret love and eventual marriage of Romeo and Juliet becomes a dangerous and forbidden affair. As a result, the feud plays a crucial role in the tragic outcome of the young lovers' story, demonstrating the destructive consequences of parental conflict on the lives of their children.

3.2. Impact of Parental Conflict on Romeo and Juliet

The parental conflict between the Capulets and Montagues has a profound impact on the lives of Romeo and Juliet. The ongoing feud between their families not only creates a barrier to their love but also forces them to make difficult choices that ultimately lead to their tragic deaths. The feud creates an atmosphere of hostility and violence that permeates throughout Verona, influencing the actions and decisions of the young lovers. The conflict between their parents also limits Romeo and Juliet's ability to seek help and guidance from their families. This lack of support and understanding leaves them feeling isolated and alone, leading them to take extreme measures to be together. Additionally, the feud directly influences the events that lead to the untimely demise of Romeo and Juliet, as their families' animosity sets the stage for the series of misunderstandings and miscommunications that ultimately result in the tragedy. The impact of the parental conflict on Romeo and Juliet serves as a central theme in Shakespeare's play, highlighting the destructive nature of unresolved feuds and the profound influence of family dynamics on the lives of the young protagonists.

4. Neglect and Lack of Communication

Neglect and lack of communication play significant roles in the tragic deaths of Romeo and Juliet. The parents in the play, Lord and Lady Capulet and Lord and Lady Montague, neglect their parental responsibilities, contributing to the ill-fated outcome for their children. The feud between the Capulets and Montagues creates an environment of hostility and animosity, leaving Romeo and Juliet to seek love and understanding outside of their families. Furthermore, communication breakdowns between the parents and their children lead to dire consequences. The lack of open dialogue and understanding of their children's feelings and desires ultimately results in misunderstandings and rash decisions. For instance, Lord and Lady Capulet fail to recognize Juliet's true feelings and desires, leading her to enact desperate measures to escape an arranged marriage. Similarly, Lord and Lady Montague's lack of communication with Romeo further isolates him, pushing him to make impulsive decisions. In conclusion, the neglect of parental responsibilities and the breakdown of communication have devastating effects on the lives of Romeo and Juliet, highlighting the dire consequences of familial neglect and lack of communication in Shakespeare's play.

4.1. Neglect of Parental Responsibilities

In "Romeo and Juliet," the neglect of parental responsibilities by the Capulet and Montague families plays a significant role in the tragic deaths of the young lovers. Both sets of parents fail to provide the guidance, support, and supervision necessary to ensure the well-being of their children. Lord and Lady Capulet's decision to force Juliet into an unwanted marriage with Paris demonstrates their neglect of their daughter's emotional needs and desires. Similarly, Lord and Lady Montague's lack of involvement in Romeo's life is evident in their ignorance of his feelings and the events leading to his untimely demise. The neglect of parental responsibilities not only results in the teenagers feeling isolated and misunderstood, but also contributes to the breakdown of family structures and relationships. The absence of open communication and understanding between parents and children ultimately leads to dire consequences. The failure of the Capulet and Montague parents to fulfill their parental duties highlights the detrimental impact of neglect and lack of proper guidance in the lives of the young protagonists, ultimately leading to the tragic ending of the play.

4.2. Communication Breakdowns and Consequences

In the tragic story of Romeo and Juliet, the breakdown of communication between the parents and their children has severe consequences. The lack of open and honest communication leads to misunderstandings, secrecy, and ultimately, the untimely deaths of the young lovers. There are several instances in the play where the parents fail to effectively communicate with their children, leading to disastrous outcomes. For instance, Lord and Lady Capulet's decision to force Juliet into marrying Paris without her consent is a result of their failure to have an open dialogue with her about her feelings and desires. Similarly, Lord Montague's inability to connect with Romeo and understand his son's emotions leads to a breakdown in their relationship, preventing Romeo from seeking guidance and support from his father. These examples illustrate how the lack of communication between parents and children can have dire repercussions. In the context of the play, the consequences of communication breakdowns are not only limited to the individual families, but they also extend to the wider society. The inability of the parents to effectively communicate with their children perpetuates a cycle of conflict, violence, and tragedy, ultimately affecting the entire community. It is evident that the communication breakdowns in Romeo and Juliet are not just isolated incidents, but rather, they are symptomatic of larger societal issues. Thus, the communication breakdowns between the parents and their children serve as a powerful commentary on the destructive nature of miscommunication and the importance of open, honest dialogue in fostering healthy relationships and preventing tragic outcomes.

5. Conclusion

In conclusion, the analysis of the parents' roles in the deaths of Romeo and Juliet reveals the significant influence that parental actions and decisions had on the tragic outcome of the play. The summary of findings highlights the detrimental impact of the Montagues' and Capulets' feud on their children's lives, as well as the lack of effective communication and guidance from both sets of parents. This lack of support and understanding ultimately led to the disastrous fate of the young lovers. Furthermore, the implications for parental roles in tragedies underscore the importance of parental responsibility and intervention in their children's lives, especially during tumultuous times. The actions of Lord and Lady Capulet, Lord and Lady Montague, and the Nurse all contribute to the tragic demise of Romeo and Juliet, serving as cautionary examples of the consequences of neglect and unreasonable expectations on their children. This analysis prompts reflection on the significance of parental influence and the potential outcomes of familial conflict, shedding light on the timeless relevance of the play's themes. Ultimately, the conclusion of this study serves as a reminder of the profound impact of parental roles in shaping the lives and destinies of their children.

5.1. Summary of Findings

In summary, the findings of this essay demonstrate the significant roles that the parents of Romeo and Juliet played in the tragic deaths of their children. The actions, decisions, and attitudes of both sets of parents directly contributed to the chain of events that ultimately led to the young lovers' demise. The Capulets' authoritarian parenting style, their insistence on Juliet's marriage to Paris, and their lack of understanding and empathy for their daughter's feelings were key factors in driving Juliet to desperate measures. On the other hand, the Montagues' negligence and indifference towards Romeo's emotional well-being, as well as their failure to provide guidance and support, also played a crucial role in the unfolding tragedy. This analysis highlights the profound impact that parental behavior and attitudes can have on the lives of their children, especially in the context of a Shakespearean tragedy. These findings have important implications for our understanding of parental roles in tragedies, both in literature and in real life. The essay emphasizes the need for parents to communicate openly with their children, to listen to their desires and concerns, and to provide support and guidance rather than imposing their own expectations and demands. The tragic outcomes for Romeo and Juliet serve as a cautionary tale, illustrating the dire consequences that can result from parental actions that are detached, unsympathetic, or authoritarian. This essay encourages readers to reflect on the responsibilities of parenthood and the profound influence that parents have on the lives and well-being of their children. Ultimately, it serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of fostering healthy, empathetic, and supportive relationships between parents and their children.

5.2. Implications for Parental Roles in Tragedies

In the exploration of the parental roles in the tragic deaths of Romeo and Juliet, it becomes evident that the actions and attitudes of the parents significantly contribute to the unfolding of the tragedy. The implications for parental roles in tragedies are multifaceted, shedding light on the responsibilities, influences, and impacts of parental figures in literary and real-life tragedies. The failures of Lord Capulet and Lady Capulet in understanding and nurturing Juliet contribute to the tragic outcome. Their authoritarian and unsupportive parenting style alienates Juliet, leaving her feeling isolated and desperate. This highlights the importance of parental empathy, communication, and understanding in preventing tragic consequences in family dynamics. Similarly, the absence of collaborative and considerate parental guidance proposed by Lord and Lady Montague results in Romeo's impulsive and reckless actions, culminating in the fatal outcome. This underscores the significance of parental guidance, supervision, and involvement in steering their children away from detrimental paths. Furthermore, the parental roles in tragedies accentuate the broader societal implications, reflecting the consequences of parenting on individual characters and the larger community. The mishandling of parental responsibilities reverberates through the tragic narrative, illuminating the enduring importance of nurturing, support, and guidance in shaping the destinies of young individuals. Therefore, the implications for parental roles in tragedies extend beyond the confines of the specific story, serving as a poignant reminder of the profound influence and responsibility that parents hold in shaping the lives and fates of their children.

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Roles of Parents in Romeo and Juliet Essay Example

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare is known for the four tragic deaths of Romeo, Juliet, Tybalt, and Mercutio. But who is most responsible for these four deaths? Everyone has a caretaker in their life, someone who watches over them, teaches them, protects them, and for Romeo and Juliet, these people are supposed to be their parents. But in reality, their parents easily failed at their job to provide, protect, and care for their children. The parents of Romeo and Juliet are most liable for the four deaths in Romeo and Juliet. The parents of Romeo and Juliet selfishly pulled their children and family into the feud between the houses, were very uninvolved in their children's lives, set a terrible example as parents, and forced the expectation of the feud upon others. 

Romeo and Juliet are pulled into a feud by their parents when they have no connection to it. From the beginning, Romeo and Juliet are taught to dislike the opposing house without having any real reasons of their own. Romeo and Juliet got dragged into the feud, making their love forbidden from their parents. The first time Romeo saw Juliet, he didn’t know that she was a Capulet, they fell in love without any pressure from their parents to do so. When they learned which house each other belonged to, their love had to be hidden from their parents making for a difficult relationship that eventually ended in death. If the parents hadn’t pulled their children into the feud, their relationship wouldn’t have been forbidden, and they could have fallen in love as teenagers do. Due to their love being forbidden, Romeo and Juliet had to hide it from their parents and navigate the relationship with only a little help from the Nurse, and Friar. This caused many difficulties and miscommunication, leading to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet at such a young age. The parents pull the younger generations into the feud even though it is a fight between the adults of the houses. Throughout the story of Romeo and Juliet, we never find out why the families are fighting and hate each other. It is unfair for the parents to pull their children into the feud when they are not informed why they hate the other house and are told not to associate with them. Romeo and Juliet don’t want their parents to know about their “illegal” love because they fear what their parents will think. Romeo and Juliet wouldn’t have had to hide their love and wouldn’t have ended up killing themselves if they hadn’t gotten dragged into a feud that make it forbidden. 

The parents of Romeo and Juliet were very uninvolved in their kids' lives and were rarely seen interacting with them. Parents are supposed to care for their children, but Romeo and Juliet’s parents did the opposite, it was like they forgot about them. The parents were not involved in their children's lives and knew nothing about the relationship that was going on. If they did know, they might have been able to help their kids through the relationship and marriage. But instead, the Nurse and Friar had to help them, neither of them being married and not having the first-hand experience like the parents of Romeo and Juliet do. There was no one to guide the kids through the relationship and it ended up not working out. If the parents knew, they could have potentially saved their children's lives, but since they don’t have a bond with their kids, Romeo and Juliet would never think to bring it up to them. The parents also never know where their kids are and let them roam around the streets of their town. If the parents kept tabs on their kids, they would prevent them from getting into fights. If Romeo’s parents kept close watch over him, he probably would have never gotten into the fight with Tybalt and Mercutio. This could have prevented at least the death of Tybalt meaning Romeo wouldn’t get exiled, therefore, Romeo and Juliet would have never committed suicide. Everything is a chain of events that could have been avoided if the parents watched over their children and were involved in their lives. 

Romeo and Juliet’s parents set a terrible example for their children to follow after. If the parents cared about their children, they would teach them not only by words but also by example. The parents could have raised their children better and taught them right from wrong. The parents of both Romeo and Juliet do not show true love to each other if any love at all. Romeo and Juliet only know what “love” is based on what they see around them, and that is their parents. Romeo and Juliet’s love doesn’t work out and ends in death because they don’t know how to handle the situation at hand. If their parents showed them that love can still last through hardships, then the situation might have not ended in death. The parents of Romeo and Juliet also don’t communicate with each other. In the story Romeo and Juliet, we can see that miscommunication is the reason that Romeo and Juliet kill themselves. If the parents set a better example of how to communicate with their significant other, the deaths could have been prevented. Lady Capulet and Capulet don’t communicate with each other when it comes to Juliet marrying Paris and this ends up leaving Juliet torn between two parents and Romeo. If the parents communicated, they could have presented this to her together in a better way. The parents also don’t communicate and forget about their children. Lady Montegue lost Romeo and couldn’t find him without asking around. If the parents communicated they could take better care of their children and prevent trouble. However, even when the parents do communicate, it is usually fighting. This is setting the example for the kids that it is ok to fight and that is what love looks like. If their parents didn’t set this example of fighting, Romeo might have not killed Tybalt and would have thought of a better solution than physical fighting. If the parents weren’t always so concerned with fighting and the feud, they could have cared for their children better. 

Romeo, Juliet, Tybalt, and Mercutio are all affected by the feud between the houses. Both Romeo and Juliet are expected to hate the other house like their parents have taught them to. But when they fall in love they have to hide from their parents and the world, breaking the expectations forced upon them. However, if there wasn’t the projection of the feud by the parents onto Romeo and Juliet, their relationship would’ve been more successful due to aspects of being able to see each other and communicate. Tybalt is also affected by the expectation of the feud because of the Capulet and Montegue parents and Tybalt has learned to protect his house and his name due to this. Because Tybalt is a hothead and likes fighting, when Mercutio challenges him and insults him, he does what he is expected to do, protect his name and fight. This proves useless when he slays Mercutio and eventually creates more problems for the future, but shows that Tybalt doesn’t know how to solve a conflict any other way than what the parents have taught him. Romeo has the same expectation and follows Tybalt's lead when he kills Mercutio. Romeo is expected to protect his name and his house, just like his parents, and he does so by avenging Mercutio, resulting in the death of Tybalt. 

The parents of Romeo and Juliet are most responsible for the four deaths in the story Romeo and Juliet. They selfishly pulled their children and family into the feud between the houses, were very uninvolved in their children's lives, set a terrible example, and force the expectation of the feud upon others. If the parents hadn’t pushed the feud onto their kids, their love wouldn’t have been forbidden. If the parents were involved in their kids' lives, they could have prevented many problems and possibly even saved the four characters' lives. The parents set a terrible example for the kids and town of Verona on how to act when it comes to disagreements. And if they expected everyone to pick sides on the feud leading to unnecessary fighting and deaths. Shakespeare’s writing is packed with lessons to learn from all the characters and how they act towards each other and situations. The parents never stopped or thought about how their words and actions were impacting the people around them. If they did, this could have possibly saved all four lives in the story. People can apply this to real-life by being aware of how they are making others feel.

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Parenting in Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet, were raised to loathe each other, but could not because of either their love for each other or because of their need to rebel. The way Romeo was raised, was not normal in any way. Juliet was raised not ideally, which could have led her to take the actions that she did. The difference in their upbringing or brain functionality could be a factor of why they went to the lengths they did for each other. Some may disagree to say that behavior is not affected by the nurture nor thought process of a child, but to say that it is simply their love story and feeling for one another. The upbringing of Romeo and Juliet seems to differ depending on their upbringing, intellectual thinking, and maturity levels which consequently led both children to their death at the ages of thirteen and fifteen, moreover, different genders have different decisions based on their upbringing, which can inform the readers the reasoning behind their suicides.

The Montagues had a distinctive way of raising Romeo, as they had a lot of authority in Verona and took that into consideration when running their household. Montague and Lady Montague would be known as authoritative parents from details stated in the article “Types of Parenting Styles and Their Effects on Kids: What’s Your Parenting Style?” lists that authoritative parents: “put a lot of effort into ensuring you have a positive relationship with your child, explain the reasons behind your rules, as well as enforce rules and give consequences, but take your child’s feelings into consideration.” This piece of evidence supports the claim that the Montagues had a contrasting way of raising Romeo compared to the way the Capulets raised Juliet. Romeo was not forced into a marriage, as Juliet was, which introduces the concept that the Capulets fall under the authoritarian parenting category. Another piece of evidence found in Shakespeare’s No

“Fear Shakespeare; Romeo and Juliet,”states “ Both by myself and many other friends. But he, his own affections’ counselor, is to himself- I will not say how true, but to himself so secret and so close, so far from sounding and discovery, as is the bud bit with envious worm, ere, he can spread his sweet leaves to the air, or dedicate his beauty to the same, could we but learn from whence his sorrows grow, we would as willingly give cure as know.” With attention to that piece of Shakespeare’s writing, he shares that Montague wondered what saddened Romeo, yet Romeo declined to open up.

The conclusion that the Montagues are authoritative is supported by the previous piece of evidence supporting the detail that authoritative parents put effort into a positive relationship with their child, stated in “4 Types of Parenting Styles and Their Effects On Kids: What’s Your Parenting Style?” Romeo was nurtured in a uncommon way, as a result, might be a factor of the indecisive decisions made further on into the play, as well as actions taken that led up to their deaths.

The Capulets, raised Juliet in a not ideal way to society today, but was orderly at the time. According to the passage “4 Types of Parenting Styles and Their Effects on Kids: What’s Your Parenting Style?,” an authoritarian parent does the following: “believes kids should be seen and not heard, when it comes to rules, you believe it’s ‘my way or the highway,’ and you don’t take your child’s feelings into consideration.” This list of principles are examples of what the Capulet’s include in their parenting style. Capulet and Lady Capulet would be considered authoritarian due to the fact that, because of Juliet’s age, her parents forced Juliet into a marriage so she could become a wife and mother at the normal age, at the time.

In Shakespeare’s No Fear Shakespeare; Romeo and Juliet, Paris presents “Younger than she are happy mothers made.” Juliet’s future husband agrees with Lady Capulet, that Juliet should be married and a mother by now. Juliet did not want to marry Paris after her greeting with Romeo, accordingly she told Capulet who was furious about her statement, and took action by escorting her out of their home. Furthermore, Capulet expected Juliet to follow his demands, without taking his daughter’s feelings into consideration. The Capulets raised Juliet in a more forceful way than the Montague’s raised Romeo in.

The way the Montagues raised Romeo may have been a monumental factor that affected Romeo’s decision to marry Juliet and could have potentially been a reason why he killed himself. The way the Montagues lightly cared about who Romeo ended up marrying, could have been a reason that he married someone who was the child of their enemy. From the article “One Reason Teens Respond Differently to the World: Immature Brain Circuitry,” states “We used to think that teens respond differently to the world because of hormones, or attitude, or because they simply need independence.”

A Frontline producer, Sarah Spikes states the theory that teens act accordingly because of independence or hormones, which could explain the reason Romeo married so quickly, due to his age and wish for freedom from his family’s feud. An article that elaborates on teenage brains, “Developing Brain Connections Make Teenagers Impatient and Impulsive states,” “there are numerous studies showing impulsivity in adolescents and this often results in them partaking in high risk behavior.” The author, Hannah Osborne consistently restates that teenagers are more appealed to choose a smaller but quicker reward, rather than a larger, longer reward. Romeo was more drawn to the thought of marrying Juliet right away, than waiting till he was older to ger married, when he was grown to make that life long decision. People back then expected Romeo to already be married at his age, and so did his parents, which could have convinced Romeo to marry Juliet, despite the fact that she was a Capulet.

Capulet and Lady Capulet tend to pressure Juliet to get married and produce offspring throughout the play and Juliet could have taken that pressure into consideration, when spontaneously marrying Romeo. In the passage Nature vs. Nurture, the author states “ negative reinforcement increase the probability that the antecedent behavior will happen again.” This connects back to Romeo and Juliet, because of the negative response Capulet gave back to Juliet after she told him she did not want to marry Paris. Similarly, Juliet’s response was negative, by marrying Romeo. The actions of Juliet, such as rejecting Paris’s marriage, marrying Romeo in secret, taking a potion to temporarily stop her bodily functions, and killing herself once finding out Romeo was dead, could have been affected by the pessimistic way the Capulet’s raised Juliet.

An example of this account, Shakespeare’s No Fear Shakespeare; Romeo and Juliet states “Younger than you, here in Verona, ladies of esteem, are made already mothers. By my count, I was your mother much upon these years, that you are now a maid. Thus then in brief: The valiant Paris seeks you for his love.” In this conversation, Lady Capulet and the Nurse lecture Juliet about how she is older than most girls, who are already mothers in Verona. At first, Juliet declined the thought of marriage, meanwhile, she met Romeo and fell for him at her first sight. Romeo and Juliet both reacted in an analogous way, negatively, when being raised in households with negative treatment. The nurture of Juliet and functionality of her brain at such a young age, affected the way she saw the world and how she handled the situations she was put in.

From evidence and elaboration from previous articles, the conclusion that Romeo and Juliet’s decisions may have been affected by their maturity levels, brain development, and nurture of both, could be true. Conversely, one might disagree to say that the reason Romeo and Juliet went to such lengths was simply their love for each other at first sight. This idea can be supported by the fact that Romeo and Juliet met, and went to such lengths such as leaving their entire life behind and running away together to be married. This idea also does put a reasoning behind the concept of them both committing suicide, once finding each other dead.

Romeo shares his strong love for Juliet after his first sight of her in Shakespeare’s “No Fear Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet”, by stating “Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night.” Romeo talks about the beauty of Juliet and his strong love for her. Juliet reciprocates Romeo’s feeling by stating “The only man I love is the son of the only man I hate! I saw him too early without knowing who he was, and I found out who he was too late! Love is a monster for making me fall in love with my worst enemy.” Juliet ignores the fact that Romeo is a Montague and still marries him without hesitation. Some may disagree with science to agree that Romeo and Juliet did fall in love at first sight.

The love story of Romeo and Juliet is complicated and can scientifically be proven false, by passages discussing teenage brains, the nature and nurture of a child, and the maturity levels of teenagers. Romeo was raised under an authoritative matter, while Juliet was raised under an authoritarian matter. The Montagues raised Romeo to see the Capulets as the enemy and the Capulets taught Juliet to loathe the Montagues. The gender, maturity levels, nurture as well as functionality of their brains have been supported to be a factor of why they went to such lengths for each other, and ended up dead at such a young age. Some readers may contradict the previous scientific theory and support the fact that Romeo and Juliet had a true love story. The outcome of Romeo and Juliet’s love story has many causes and the nurture and brains of the children drove them to commit suicide, in order to be together.

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supremestudy.com. (2021). Parenting in Romeo and Juliet . [Online]. Available at: https://supremestudy.com/parenting-in-romeo-and-juliet/ [Accessed: 19 Jun. 2024]

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supremestudy.com. (2021). Parenting in Romeo and Juliet . [Online]. Available at: https://supremestudy.com/parenting-in-romeo-and-juliet/ [Accessed: 19-Jun-2024]

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• Romeo and Juliet

Graham Hamilton (Romeo), Edward Gero (Friar Laurence), and Nicole Lowrance (Juliet),  Romeo and Juliet , directed by PJ Paparelli, Folger Theatre, 2005. Photo: Carol Pratt.

Introduction to the play

In  Romeo and Juliet , Shakespeare creates a violent world, in which two young people fall in love. It is not simply that their families disapprove; the Montagues and the Capulets are engaged in a blood feud.

In this death-filled setting, the movement from love at first sight to the lovers’ final union in death seems almost inevitable. And yet, this play set in an extraordinary world has become the quintessential story of young love. In part because of its exquisite language, it is easy to respond as if it were about all young lovers.

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But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? It is the East, and Juliet is the sun.

Good night, good night. Parting is such sweet       sorrow That I shall say “Good night” till it be morrow.

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Essays and resources from The Folger Shakespeare

Learn more about the play, its language, and its history from the experts behind our edition.

About Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet An introduction to the plot, themes, and characters in the play

Reading Shakespeare’s Language A guide for understanding Shakespeare’s words, sentences, and wordplay

An Introduction to This Text A description of the publishing history of the play and our editors’ approach to this edition

Textual Notes A record of the variants in the early printings of this text

A Modern Perspective An essay by Gail Kern Paster

Further Reading Suggestions from our experts on where to learn more

Shakespeare and his world

Learn more about Shakespeare, his theater, and his plays from the experts behind our editions.

Shakespeare’s Life An essay about Shakespeare and the time in which he lived

Shakespeare’s Theater An essay about what theaters were like during Shakespeare’s career

The Publication of Shakespeare’s Plays An essay about how Shakespeare’s plays were published

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Early printed texts

Romeo and Juliet was first printed in 1597 (Q1) as a quarto that is markedly different than any subsequent early printing: it is shorter, the wedding scene is radically different, and the language widely differs in the last three acts. The play appeared as a quarto in 1599 (Q2) in a text that seems to have had a different source than the one behind Q1; this version of the play was reprinted in 1609 (Q3) and in 1623 (Q4). The play is included in the 1623 First Folio, with a text that differs from Q3 beyond what we would expect typesetters to change. Most modern editions, like the Folger, are based on Q2.

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Romeo and Juliet — Theme of Passion in Romeo and Juliet

Theme of Passion in Romeo and Juliet

• Categories: Romeo and Juliet

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Words: 761 |

Published: Jun 13, 2024

Words: 761 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Table of contents

Love as romeo's primary passion, romeo's passion for loyalty, romeo's passion for revenge, bibliography.

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199 Shakespearean names for your dramatic baby

A Shakespeare baby name may be the perfect pick for lovers of literature. While Romeo and Juliet surely come to mind when considering Shakespeare baby names, the playwright's many wonderful works are rich with characters and names from which to choose.

Romeo and Juliet, however, are popular picks, despite their tragic end. Unlike many characters' names in Shakespeare's plays, both rank in the top 300 most popular baby names, according to the Social Security Administration. Romeo is number 293, and rising in popularity in recent years. Juliet is 292, and also on the rise. But the most popular Shakespeare baby name is William, both the playwright's first name and a character in As You Like It . It ranks at number 10 among the most popular baby names for boys.

If you're looking for a Shakespearean baby name that's a little less ... obvious, there are plenty to pick from. Try Cassius or Hector for a boy, or Octavia or Valeria for a girl. While there is some conflict among scholars about whether he wrote 37 or 38 plays, there's no question the characters — and their names — are rich with personality.

Namer beware, of course: Before you fall in love with a Shakepearean name, it's a good idea to read the play first, or at least the Cliff Notes, to make sure you're not giving your sweet baby a villain's name.

The helpful website " No Sweat Shakespeare " has listed every male and female name from Shakespeare's plays. There are 124 boy names and 75 names for girls. See the list of names below as well as the play each is associated with.

Shakespeare names for boys

• Aaron — (Titus Andronicus)
• Abram — (Romeo and Juliet)
• Achilles — (Troilus and Cressida)
• Adam — (As You Like It)
• Adrian — (Coriolanus, The Tempest)
• Ajax — (Troilus and Cressida)
• Albany — (King Lear)
• Alexander — (Troilus and Cressida)
• Alexas — (Antony and Cleopatra)
• Alonso — (The Tempest)
• Angelo — (The Comedy of Errors, Measure for Measure)
• Antonio — (The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Twelfth Night, The Merchant of Venice, The Tempest, Much Ado About Nothing)
• Aragon — (The Merchant of Venice)
• Arthur — (King John)
• Balthasar — (The Comedy of Errors, The Merchant of Venice, Romeo and Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing)
• Barnardo — (Hamlet)
• Bartholomew — (The Taming of the Shrew)
• Benedick — (Much Ado About Nothing)
• Benvolio — (Romeo and Juliet)
• Berri — (Henry V)
• Bertram — (All’s Well That Ends Well)
• Brandon — (Henry VIII)
• Caius — (Julius Caesar, Titus Andronicus)
• Caliban — (The Tempest)
• Caesar — (Julius Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra)
• Camillo — (The Winter’s Tale)
• Cassio — (Othello)
• Cassius — (Julius Caesar)
• Cato — (Julius Caesar)
• Cesario — (Twelfth Night)
• Charles — (As You Like It)
• Cicero — (Julius Caesar)
• Clarence — (Richard III, 2 Henry IV/Henry V)
• Claudio — (Much Ado About Nothing, Measure for Measure)
• Claudius — (Julius Caesar)
• Corin — (As You Like It)
• Cornelius — (Hamlet, Cymbeline)
• Curan — (King Lear)
• Curtis — (The Taming of the Shrew)
• Davy — (Henry IV)
• Decius — (Julius Caesar)
• Demetrius — (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Titus Andronicus, Antony and Cleopatra)
• Dennis — (As You Like It)
• Derby — (Richard III)
• Diomedes — (Troilus and Cressida, Antony and Cleopatra)
• Donalbain — (Macbeth)
• Douglas — (Henry IV)
• Duncan — (Macbeth)
• Edgar — (King Lear)
• Edmund — (King Lear)
• Edward — (Henry VI/Richard III)
• Egeon — (The Comedy of Errors)
• Emmanuel — (Henry VI)
• Fabian — (Twelfth Night)
• Fenton — (Merry Wives of Windsor)
• Ferdinand — (The Tempest, Love’s Labour’s Lost)
• Francis — (Henry IV)
• Francisco — (Hamlet, The Tempest)
• Frederick — (As You Like It)
• George — (Henry VI)
• Gonzalo — (The Tempest)
• Gregory — (Romeo and Juliet)
• Griffith — (Henry VIII)
• Hamlet — (Hamlet)
• Hector — (Troilus and Cressida)
• Henry — (King John, Henry IV, Henry VIII, Henry VI, Henry V)
• Hubert — (King John)
• Iago — (Othello)
• Jamy — (Henry V)
• Jaques — (As You Like It)
• John — (King John)
• Joseph — (The Taming of the Shrew)
• Justice — (Measure for Measure)
• Laertes — (Hamlet)
• Lance — (The Two Gentlemen of Verona)
• Launcelot — (The Merchant of Venice)
• Lennox — (Macbeth)
• Leonardo — (The Merchant of Venice)
• Lincoln — (Henry VIII)
• Lorenzo — (The Merchant of Venice)
• Lucio — (Measure for Measure)
• Lucius — (Julius Caesar, Titus Andronicus, Timon of Athens)
• Lysander — (A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
• Macbeth — (Macbeth)
• Malcolm — (Macbeth)
• Marcellus — (Hamlet)
• Mercutio — (Romeo and Juliet)
• Michael — (Henry VI, Henry IV)
• Morgan — (Cymbeline)
• Mortimer — (Henry VI)
• Morton — (Henry IV)
• Oberon — (A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
• Octavius — (Julius Caesar)
• Oliver — (As You Like It)
• Orlando — (As You Like It)
• Orsino (12th Night)
• Oswald — (King Lear)
• Othello — (Othello)
• Paris — (Romeo and Juliet, Troilus and Cressida)
• Peter — (Henry VI Part 2, Romeo and Juliet, The Taming of the Shrew)
• Petruchio — (Romeo and Juliet, The Taming of the Shrew)
• Philip — (The Taming of the Shrew, King John)
• Philo — (Antony and Cleopatra)
• Prospero — (The Tempest)
• Puck — (A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
• Reynaldo — (Hamlet, All’s Well That Ends Well)
• Richard — (Richard II, Richard III)
• Robert — (King John)
• Robin — (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Merry Wives of Windsor)
• Roderigo — (Othello)
• Romeo — (Romeo and Juliet)
• Ross — (Richard II)
• Sebastian — (The Tempest, Twelfth Night, The Two Gentlemen of Verona)
• Shaw — (Richard III)
• Silvius — (As You Like It)
• Timon — (Timon of Athens)
• Titinius — (Julius Caesar)
• Toby — (Twelfth Night)
• Tybalt — (Romeo and Juliet)
• Ulysses — (Troilus and Cressida)
• Usher — (Coriolanus)
• Valentine — (Titus Andronicus, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Twelfth Night)
• Vincentio — (Measure for Measure, The Taming of the Shrew)
• William — (As You Like It)

Shakespeare names for girls

• Adriana — (The Comedy of Errors)
• Alice — (Henry V)
• Aliena — (As You Like It)
• Anne — (Henry VIII, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Richard III)
• Ariel — (The Tempest)
• Audrey — (As You Like It)
• Beatrice — (Much Ado About Nothing)
• Bianca — (The Taming of the Shrew, Othello)
• Calpurnia — (Julius Caesar)
• Cassandra — (Troilus and Cressida)
• Celia — (As You Like It)
• Ceres — (The Tempest)
• Cleopatra — (Antony and Cleopatra)
• Cordelia — (King Lear)
• Cressida — (Troilus and Cressida)
• Cymbeline — (Cymbeline)
• Desdemona — (Othello)
• Diana — (All’s Well That Ends Well)
• Dion — (The Winter’s Tale)
• Dionyza — (Pericles)
• Dolabella — (Antony and Cleopatra)
• Dorcas — (The Winter’s Tale)
• Eleanor — (King John)
• Elizabeth — (Henry VIII, Henry VI/Richard III)
• Emilia — (The Comedy of Errors, The Winter’s Tale, Othello, The Two Noble Kinsmen)
• Gertrude — (Hamlet)
• Helen — (Troilus and Cressida, All’s Well That Ends Well)
• Helena — (A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
• Hermia — (A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
• Hermione — (The Winter’s Tale)
• Hero — (Much Ado About Nothing)
• Imogen — (Cymbeline)
• Iris — (The Tempest)
• Isabel — (Richard II, Henry V)
• Isabella — (Measure for Measure)
• Isidore — (Timon of Athens)
• Jessica — (The Merchant of Venice)
• Julia — (The Two Gentlemen of Verona)
• Juliet — (Romeo and Juliet, Measure for Measure)
• Juno — (The Tempest)
• Jupiter — (Cymbeline)
• Katharine — (Love’s Labour’s Lost, Henry V)
• Katherina — (The Taming of the Shrew)
• Katherine — (Henry VIII)
• Lavinia — (Titus Andronicus)
• Leonine — (Pericles)
• Luce — (The Comedy of Errors)
• Luciana — (The Comedy of Errors)
• Margaret — ( Henry VI/Richard III, Much Ado About Nothing)
• Margery — (Henry VI)
• Maria — (Love’s Labour’s Lost, Twelfth Night)
• Mariana — (All’s Well That Ends Well, Measure for Measure)
• Marina — (Pericles)
• Miranda — (The Tempest)
• Octavia — (Antony and Cleopatra)
• Olivia — (Twelfth Night)
• Ophelia — (Hamlet)
• Paulina — (The Winter’s Tale)
• Phebe — (As You Like It)
• Portia — (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar)
• Regan — (King Lear)
• Rosalind — (As You Like It)
• Rosaline — (Love’s Labour’s Lost)
• Silvia — (The Two Gentlemen of Verona)
• Tamora — (Titus Andronicus)
• Titania — (A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
• Ursula — (Much Ado About Nothing)
• Valeria — (Coriolanus)
• Viola — (Twelfth Night)

 Genevieve Shaw Brown is an Emmy award-winning lifestyle journalist and the author of the parenting book, “ The Happiest Mommy You Know .” She is an avid traveler and was named the Lowell Thomas Silver Grand Award Travel Journalist of the Year. She has appeared as a parenting, travel and lifestyle expert on every network in the country. You can follow her on  Instagram . 

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