Parent-Child Relationships In 'A Tragedy Of Romeo And Juliet'

Bo Kuang
Mrs. Daquelente
Honors English 3
28 March 2023
Comparing and Contrasting the Parent-Child Relationships in Speak and A Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet: A Psychoanalysis.
Imagine someone in isolation: somebody in a cell, huddling in a corner to keep themselves warm. Somebody in the shadows, not wanting to be seen or found, away from everybody else. This image is the standard description of isolation, but it is not just physical but also psychological, and it can lead to tragedy. According to “Social isolation, loneliness and their relationships with depressive symptoms: A population-based study” by Lixia Ge reported that isolated people had a greater chance of having a past diagnosis of depression (Ge et al 6); furthermore, A.W. Buckey

Freeman. The connection between Friar Lawrence and Romeo differs in how the characters develop over the play: before, they were respectful and thoughtful, but now, they are more impetuous and hasty. After Romeo wishes to wed Juliet with the help of Friar Lawrence, the friar decides that “Thy love did read by rote, that could not spell / But come, young waverer, come, go with me” (Shakespeare 2.3.88-89). Lawrence still decides to assist him despite believing the love is purely theatrical; additionally, the lack of rhyme between the lines depicts his hasty decision without thought, expressing his recklessness. Moreover, his isolation most likely restricted all aspirations of his younger self, but this sudden opportunity appealed to him, compelling him to assist Romeo. He yearned to do something and decided to wed Romeo and Juliet immediately after he saw this opportunity without consulting their families. However, the consequences of such a wedding would be drastic: punishments such as banishment, disownment, execution, or public humiliation might have stemmed from this, but his isolation compelled him to help Romeo. Before being exiled, Romeo decides that his “...fire-eyed fury be my conduct now. / Now, Tybalt, takes the "villain" back again,” (Shakespeare 3.1.120-121) and kills Tybalt, avenging Mercutio. Because Romeo wanted revenge, he received the sentencing of banishment even though Tybalt would most likely have been executed or exiled for the murder of Mercutio; additionally, this sentencing demonstrates the development of his isolation affecting himself where Romeo is now hasty, vengeful, and careless; furthermore, the personification of his anger enhances his recklessness and carelessness for punishment or consequences. Also, he orders Tybalt to repent his slander of