Emotional Bond In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

The nature of relationships bear the unique quality of flexibility and adaptability, expanding further than pure physical connections. Thus, emotional bond weighs heavier when developing affairs rather than bodily affiliation. This principle can be displayed throughout the play of Romeo and Juliet, written by William Shakespeare. In Romeo and Juliet, two households– the Montagues and Capulets– feud over ancient grudges with each other. The main characters Romeo and Juliet come from each household and coincidentally happen to meet during a house party hosted by the Capulets where they fall fervently in love. Acknowledging their familys’ tensions, Romeo and Juliet turn to Friar Lawrence, a devout priest, and Juliet’s handmaid, the Nurse, to

Friar Lawrence’s assistance is introduced first into Romeo and Juliet’s relationship when Romeo approaches him requesting the grantment of his marriage with Juliet. Thereafter, Lawrence becomes a key pillar in the lover’s relationship as the storyline progresses. Notably, his presence is vital during hardships that stress the bond of Romeo and Juliet. To illustrate, a street fight between Tybalt and Mercutio end with Mercutio’s death– initiating Romeo to action and therefore killing Tybalt. The Prince then declares Romeo’s punishment– exile. Friar Lawrence announces to Romeo later his punishment, and in response, Romeo wishes he was sentenced with death rather than exile as he would not be able to see Juliet. In rage, Friar Lawrence expresses, “Be patient, for the world is broad and wide. [...] O deadly sin, O rude unthankfulness!/ [...] the kind prince/ [...] turned that black word ‘death’ to/ ‘banishment.’/ This is dear mercy, and thou seest it not (3.3.17-30).” By proposing that the world is more than just Verona, Lawrence inferences to Romeo that his

The Nurse’s crucial role begins when Juliet sends her to Romeo for confirmation of his affection and marriage. Before the Nurse could speak privately with Romeo, Mercutio and Romeo ridicule and taunt the Nurse. The mocking, once the Nurse separates Romeo, prompts her to say, “What she bid me say, I will/ keep to myself. But first let me tell you, if you/ should lead her in a fool’s paradise, as they say, it/ were a very gross kind of behavior, as they say. For/ the gentlewomen is young; and therefore, if you/ should deal double with her truly it were an ill/ thing to be offered to any gentlewomen, and very/ weak dealing (2.4.167-174).” After observing Romeo’s behavior toward women, using herself as a guildline, the Nurse makes a judgement upon his character and warns Romeo to not toy with Juliet’s feelings as she is still young. The origin of the Nurse’s worry stems from the unconditional love and care she feels toward Juliet, in addition to her desire to properly nurture and foster her into a proper lady. Her affection regarding Juliet mirrors a familial bond as the way the Nurse aims to look out for dangers that would potentially jeopardize Juliet’s emotions coincides with a mother guarding her daughter’s happiness. In spite of the fact that the Nurse is less encouraging of Romeo than Juliet, the Nurse still physically contributes to their