Essay On Motherhood In Romeo And Juliet

Here is a quote by Stevie Wonder, “If love is sweet as a flower, then my mother is that sweet flower of love.” This is what people would usually say when they talk about their moms. Motherly love is the greatest gift which guides you and always supports you by your side. However, sometimes there are some special cases, and not every mother can be such caring and kind. For example, in William Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet, there are two characters who both play roles as a mother to Juliet. Things were probably very different back in the Elizabethan Era when the play was written, so the story happens in the Capulet’s household refreshes my understanding about motherhood back in that time. Lady Capulet and the Nurse are the two important women that form great contrast. Although Lady Capulet and the Nurse both played a similar motherhood role as regard to Juliet, their behaviors and wishes for Juliet are completely different. Both of Lady Capulet and the Nurse has watched Juliet growing up since she is born. Lady

Lady Capulet is a woman with nobility, and whatever she does follows her husband, Lord Capulet’s will. She enjoys the rich, and she is particularly a good mother. However, Juliet is more close to the Nurse than Lady Capulet. In the script, it seems like Lady Capulet has no support and compassionate for her daughter, but the Nurse does. One of the biggest reason for Juliet being closer to the Nurse is that the Nurse is more caring and always tries to respect Juliet’s opinion. She is the messenger for Juliet and Romeo because she knows that Juliet loves Romeo deeply. For contrast, when Juliet begs for the delay of the wedding with Paris, Lady Capulet’s response was: "Talk not to me, for I'll not say a word / Do as thou wilt, for I have done with thee" (3.5.214-215). Her cold, harsh words have really hurt