Double Standards In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

Shakespeare has always been acclaimed for his works but upon further research I discovered that his work can be controversial. Shakespeare's work is sexist and holds its readers to double standards in some cases. I have always been told Shakespeare is a genius and should be honored. His works have been turned into countless movies and recreations. Curious as to what Shakespeare could amaze me with, I began Romeo And Juliet. Not even 15 lines in, I'm already irritated. “‘Tis true, and therefore women, being the weaker vessels are ever thrust to the wall...thrust his maids to the wall” (Shakespeare). This line from the beginning of Romeo And Juliet blatantly states that women are the weaker sex and even suggests raping them. There are more examples like this in Romeo And

He means, of course, that Romeo should collect and break as many hearts as he can and that such predatory pursuits will make him feel better” (Miller 19). Suggesting that heartbroken boys should go around and emotionally damage women just to feel better is a terrible suggestion. You may think that people who read this will never copy those actions but when someone who is held on such a high pedestal suggests it, it's more influential than you think. “...my child is yet a stranger in the world. She hath not seen the change of fourteen years, let two more summers wither in their pride. Ere we may think her ripe to be a bride. You know what's missing from this negotiation about marrying off Juliet? Juliet herself. Women from wealthy families in Shakespeare's time didn't usually get much say in who they married; marriages were made for the convenience of the families, not the individuals” (Miller). You may think that arranged marriages are irrelevant now but even the notion of men having authority over women can be