Romeo And Juliet: Abusive Relationships In The Past And Present

Abusive Relationships in the Past and Present
How does a person change when exposed to an abusive relationship? Why do people not remove themselves from the situation immediately? How does one avoid an abusive relationship? In Shakespeare’s, play Romeo and Juliet, Juliet’s choices in life correspond to a person’s choices in an abusive relationship, so we can assume her brain does as well. Learning and reading about Juliet in school is essential to teach children and teenagers about the modern adaptations of abusive relationships.
In examining Juliet’s behavior, we can assume there is a person in her life who causes her stress and depression. After reading the play, we can identify that person is her father, Lord Capulet. Juliet does not have a healthy relationship with her father. He takes control of the relationship and makes her think he is always right. “To go with Paris to Saint Peter’s Church,/Or I will drag thee on a hurdle thither./Out, you green-sickness carrion! Out, you baggage!/ You tallow face!” (ROM 3.5.159-162) This quote exemplifies how mad Lord Capulet gets when he talks to Juliet.

Individuals who have experienced a traumatic event or a period of traumatic events often experience a range of negative emotions, from confusion to shame, about how they responded to the trauma they were experiencing (Shoreline Recovery Clinic). Juliet experiences severe mental health issues when she threatens to kill herself because she cannot be with her true love Romeo. “If in thy wisdom thou canst give no help,/ Do thou but call my resolution wise,/ And with this knife, I’ll help it presently.” (ROM 4.1. 53-55) This quote shows that Juliet is more likely to make rash decisions that could change her life forever or, in this case, end her