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Juliet Capulet is the ¨female¨ protagonist of William Shakespeare's tragedy play "Romeo and Juliet." She is one of literature's most iconic and enduring characters. Juliet is portrayed as a young,[1][2][3] beautiful,[4][5] and innocent[6][7] girl who falls deeply in love with Romeo, a member of the rival Montague family. Despite the ongoing feud between their families, Juliet defies societal expectations and risks everything for their forbidden love.

Juliet is portrayed as a passionate and headstrong young woman, who is willing to defy societal expectations.[8] She is intelligent, witty, and possesses a strong sense of independence.[9] Juliet is fiercely loyal to her love for Romeo,[10] displaying courage and determination in the face of adversity.[11] She is known for her eloquent speeches and poetic expressions of love.[8] However, she is also stubborn and reckless.[11]

Appearance[]

Juliet's appearance is described as beautiful[4][5] and captivating[citation needed] throughout the play. While specific physical details may vary based on interpretations and productions, the general consensus is that she is a young and attractive woman. Juliet is often portrayed as having fair skin,[12] delicate features,[4][13] and graceful movements. Her beauty is compared to that of a jewel,[14] a bright torch,[14] and even the sun itself.[15] The emphasis on her appearance highlights her allure and serves to enhance the theme of love and attraction in the play.

Background[]

Juliet is the daughter of Lord Capulet and Lady Capulet, part of the noble Capulet family in Verona.[16] She is sheltered and protected by her parents[17] but longs for freedom and the ability to make her own choices.[18][19] Juliet's character is defined by her youth and innocence, making her journey of self-discovery and rebellion against societal norms all the more impactful.

Synopsis[]

To see a more detailed synopsis split into acts on this wiki, see Juliet Capulet/Synopsis.

In the beginning, Juliet is portrayed as a sheltered and obedient daughter, obediently following her parents' wishes.[17] However, when she meets Romeo at the Capulet's masquerade ball, she instantly falls in love with him,[20] defying societal expectations and her family's feud. Their love quickly becomes intense and passionate.[citation needed]

Despite the obstacles they face, including the enmity between their families, Juliet remains devoted to Romeo. She seeks the help of Friar Laurence to marry them in secret, hoping that their union will bring an end to the feud. However, their plans are disrupted when Romeo is banished from Verona after killing Juliet's cousin, Tybalt, in a fit of rage.[citation needed]

Desperate to avoid marrying Paris, a suitor chosen by her parents, Juliet turns to Friar Laurence for assistance. He devises a plan involving a sleeping potion that will make her appear dead temporarily. Juliet agrees to the plan, hoping to reunite with Romeo in the future. Unfortunately, a series of miscommunications and unforeseen events[citation needed] leads to Romeo's belief that Juliet is truly dead.[21]

Heartbroken over Romeo's apparent demise, Juliet awakens from her sleep to find him dead beside her. In despair, she takes her own life with Romeo's dagger. Their tragic deaths finally unite the feuding families, but at the cost of the young lovers' lives.[citation needed]

Relationships[]

To read a more detailed overview on Juliet Capulet's relationships, see Juliet Capulet/Relationships.

Romeo Montague[]

Main article: Romeo Montague

Juliet's relationship with Romeo serves as the central love story in the play. They meet at the Capulet's ball and instantly fall deeply in love, despite being from feuding families. Their love is characterized by its intensity, passion, and devotion. Juliet's relationship with Romeo becomes the driving force behind her actions and decisions, ultimately leading to their tragic fate.[citation needed]

Lord and Lady Capulet[]

Main article: Lord Capulet and Lady Capulet

Juliet's relationship with her parents, Lord and Lady Capulet, is complex and strained. While they are her biological family, their authority and control over her life clash with Juliet's desire for independence and freedom. Initially, her parents arrange her marriage to Count Paris, which Juliet resists vehemently due to her love for Romeo. This conflict between parental expectations and her own desires adds tension and contributes to the tragic outcome of the play.[citation needed]

Nurse[]

Main article: Nurse

The Nurse serves as a maternal figure and confidante to Juliet. Their relationship is characterized by affection, trust, and familiarity. The Nurse is instrumental in facilitating Juliet's secret meetings with Romeo and providing advice and support. However, their relationship becomes strained when the Nurse advises Juliet to marry Paris after Romeo is exiled. This betrayal causes Juliet to seek guidance elsewhere and deepens her isolation.[citation needed]

Quotes[]

"My only love sprung from my only hate--Too early seen unknown, and known too late!"
— Juliet in Act 1, Scene 5

"O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?"
— Juliet in Act 2, Scene 2, Line 33

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose / By any other name would smell as sweet"
— Juliet in Act 2, Scene 2, Lines 43-44

"Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow / That I shall say good night till it be morrow"
— Juliet in Act 2, Scene 2, Lines 185-186

"Gallop apace, you fiery-footed steeds, / Towards Phoebus' lodging! Such a wagoner / As Phaeton would whip you to the west / And bring in cloudy night immediately."
— Juliet in Act 3, Scene 2, Lines 1-4

"O, bid me leap, rather than marry Paris, / From off the battlements of any tower, / Or walk in thievish ways, or bid me lurk / Where serpents are"
— Juliet in Act 4, Scene 3, Lines 46-49

"Thus with a kiss I die."
— Juliet's last words before she kills herself in Act 5, Scene 3, Line 120

"For never was a story of more woe / Than this of Juliet and her Romeo."
Prince Escalus about Romeo and Juliet's deaths in Act 5, Scene 3

Gallery[]

To see all images of Juliet Capulet on this wiki, see Category:Juliet Capulet images.

Interpretations[]

Victim[]

Juliet, the young protagonist of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," is often viewed as a victim within the context of the play. Here are some perspectives on Juliet as a victim:

  • Family Feud: Juliet is a victim of the long-standing feud between the Capulets and the Montagues. The animosity between the two families limits her choices and forces her into a situation where her love for Romeo becomes forbidden.
  • Parental Control: Juliet is subjected to the control and authority of her parents, particularly her father, Lord Capulet. Her desires and autonomy are disregarded as her parents arrange a marriage with Count Paris against her will, leaving her feeling trapped and powerless.
  • Societal Expectations: Juliet is a victim of the restrictive societal norms and expectations of Renaissance Verona. As a young woman, she is expected to conform to her family's wishes, marry according to their plans, and adhere to the established social hierarchy. Her longing for freedom and the ability to make her own choices is stifled by these societal constraints.
  • Manipulation: Juliet becomes a victim of manipulation by those she trusts. Friar Laurence's plan to fake her death and reunite her with Romeo ultimately leads to tragic consequences. Juliet's vulnerability and desperation for a way out of her predicament make her susceptible to the friar's scheme.
  • Tragic Circumstances: Juliet's tragic fate can also be seen as a victim of circumstance. The series of unfortunate events, miscommunication, and timing ultimately lead to her untimely death. Her love for Romeo and her desire to be with him become entangled in a web of unfortunate circumstances beyond her control.

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Act 1, Scene 2, Lines 9-10
  2. 2.0 2.1 Act 1, Scene 3, Lines 19-27
  3. 3.0 3.1 Act 1, Scene 3, Line 75
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Act 1, Scene 5, Line 47
  5. 5.0 5.1 Act 1, Scene 5, Line 53
  6. Act 2, Scene 2, Lines 43-44
  7. Act 3, Scene 5, Lines 98-100
  8. 8.0 8.1 Act 2, Scene 2, Line 33
  9. Act 1, Scene 3, Line 5
  10. Act 3, Scene 2, Lines 101-102
  11. 11.0 11.1 Act 4, Scene 3, Line 14
  12. Act 1, Scene 5, Lines 46-48
  13. Act 2, Scene 2, Lines 23-25
  14. 14.0 14.1 Act 1, Scene 5, Lines 51-53
  15. Act 2, Scene 2, Lines 2-3
  16. Act 1, Scene 5, Line 124
  17. 17.0 17.1 Act 1, Scene 3, Line 7
  18. Act 2, Scene 2, Lines 33-36
  19. Act 3, Scene 5, Lines 204-206
  20. Act 1, Scene 5, Lines 152-153
  21. Act 5, Scene 3, Lines 92-94
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