Examples Of Coming Of Age In Romeo And Juliet

Coming of Age
Coming of age is typically defined as a period between childhood and adulthood. This stage of life is characterized by many changes, including physical and emotional growth, as well as a period of maturing. In William Shakespeare's play, Romeo and Juliet, age is a prevalent theme. Shakespeare introduces two feuding families, the Capulets, and the Montagues, who have continually fought with each other. Their two children, Romeo, a Montague, and Juliet, a Capulet, meet at a masked party and fall madly in love. Throughout the play, age is seen as a way of showing how mature a character is. Romeo and Juliet’s abrupt decision to marry after knowing each other for a day shows their immaturity. Friar Lawrence and the Nurse are both

Romeo and Juliet had distant parents who were not involved in their daily lives, so their relationship is very important. The Nurse and Friar Laurence were mentors for them and helped guide them through their life. The Friar cared about Romeo and tried to provide the best advice. He supports Romeo’s decision and tries to help him make the mature decision. Before their marriage, Friar Laurence urged Romeo to be more cautious with his feelings, considering that he fell out of love with Rosaline so quickly “Is Rosaline, that thou didst love so dear, So soon forsaken? Young men’s love then lies/ not truly in their hearts, but in their eyes'' (Shakespeare 2.3. 70-72). Friar urges Romeo to slow down and think through this life decision he is about to make. The older characters view love as a process, believing that love takes time. Romeo’s immaturity got the best of him, and he marries Juliet. The Nurse keeps the marriage confidential and supports Juliet. The Nurse considers Juliet to be her daughter as she says “Thou wast the prettiest babe that e’er I nursed. And I might live to see thee married once, I have my wish.” (Shakespeare 1.3.65-67). The Nurse wants the best for Juliet, and she has a more mature outlook on life. Moms always want their children to be happy, and the Nurse truly conveys her relationship with Juliet and how it differs from The

Lord Capulet begins the play, knowing that Juliet is too young to marry “My child is yet a stranger in the world; She hath not seen the change of fourteen years. (Shakespeare 1.2. 8-9). Capulet wants to protect his daughter, and he wants to give her time to mature before she becomes a wife. Lord Capulet is shown as being understanding, and he wants what is best for Juliet. However, his opinion on marriage quickly changes. He wants Juliet to marry Paris, a young man, as soon as possible. Juliet says no, and her defiance fills her parents with rage. They get very upset and threaten her “Hang thee, young baggage! Disobedient wretch! I tell thee what: get thee to church a Thursday Or never after look me in the face” (Shakespeare 3.5. 166-168). He threatens to kick her out of the house when she refuses to marry Paris. The relationship between Juliet and her parents is poor, so the Nurse plays a large role in her life. The Capulets view love as business and a way to gain social status. Regardless, the Capulets are shown as being mature and doing what is best for Juliet, regardless of how cruel it may