Power Differences In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

410 Words2 Pages
If we were to take power in a social context, we clearly recognize that Shakespeare was writing at a time when men had a lot more power in society. Right now, we are focusing on Lord Capulet, Juliet, Tybalt, and Lady Capulet. These three characters represent the power difference in the biggest way. Within the play, the most obvious man-women conflict would be Juliet and her father, Lord Capulet. In Act 3 Scene 5, where Juliet declines to marry Paris, you can see the differences of power between men and women. Capulet clearly views Juliet as his property to dispose of as he wishes. In the face of her continued refusal, he threatens to disown her, leaving her to "hang beg starve, die in the streets, / For by my soul, I'll ne'er acknowledge thee".