Lady Capulet and Nurse FOIL Paper
In Romeo and Juliet Shakespeare uses the characters of Lady Capulet and Nurse to show that when people are too focused on status they may miss out on truly enjoying love.
In the play status is shown through how characters are addressed and how they interact with others. When Peter, a serving man, addresses Lady Capulet he says, “Madam, the guests are come, supper served up, you called…” (I.iii. 102). Due to being of a higher status than Peter, Lady Capulet is always addressed formally and with respect. Being the lady of the household she is meant to be sophisticated and highly valued. Her place in society expects her to be treated better than those of the lower class people. In contrast to the formal tone
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Unlike Lady Capulet the Nurse has limited power within the family, and this affects how others treat her. The effect of status goes past human interaction, and also affects what character value. Shakespeare Lady Capulet to show that when in a higher status marriage is used to increase wealth and social standing. Lady Capulet tries to convince Juliet that marrying Paris will bring her happiness, “So shall you share all that he doth possess By having him, making yourself no less” (I.iii. 94).Lady Capulet believes that the marrying Paris will allow Juliet to gain “...you share all that he doth possess”,wealth, and increase her social standing. Although Lady Capulet's actions may seem selfish she feels that she is truly acting in Juliet's best interest, as happiness in her eyes is equated to wealth and material possessions. Although both the Nurse and Lady Capulet want Juliet happiness the way they view happiness is different. The Nurse on the other hand, believes that marriage should be based on true love not on what can be gained. The Nurse wishes the best for Juliet and tells her to, Go, girl, seek happy nights to happy days (I.iii. 107), giving her permission to be with a man that she loves. Nurse believes that marriage should be to