Parenting Bond In William Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

Most parental bonds are close and full of love. However, in Romeo and Juliet’s case, the relationship they share with their parents has a mind of its own. It is unique and different, unlike what is visioned as a quality bond. The thoughts and opinions of the characters are much different than their parents’ wishes. For example, Romeo’s relationship with his parents is distant, and Lord and Lady Montague barely interact with him throughout the course of the play. They appear both at the beginning and the end, with only a few lines each. Furthermore, Romeo doesn't really care much about his relationship. For example, when Juliet suggests that Romeo changes his name so they can get married legally, he claims, “Call me but love, and I’ll be new

By agreeing to do so, Romeo is wiping away his family history. He will no longer be a Montague, and his best interest lies in being with Juliet, regardless of what he will have to do to achieve that, even if it is to ditch his own parents. He remains distant, and almost “parts ways” with them. Rather than his actual dad, Friar Lawrence seems more like a father to Romeo, since Romeo goes to him primarily for advice. Second, Juliet also does not share a strong bond with her parents. In the beginning, her parents are understanding. When Paris asks about the wedding day, Lord Capulet suggests that he wait a year or two, since Juliet is a young girl and she may not be ready to marry. However, in the end, when Juliet refuses, her parents become demanding. For example, when Juliet says no, Lord Capulet claims, “But fettle your joints ‘gainst Thursday next. To go with Paris to Saint Peter’s church, Or I will drag thee on a hurdle thither” (III.V. 154-156). Her parents are too involved in her life and become very controlling. Capulet literally tells her that he will drag her if she does not come. He also verbally abuses her, by calling her a “tallow face” and a “green