Romeo And Juliet Compliant To Self-Reliant

Sophia Fu
Ms. Redmon
English 1 - Period 6
4 April 2023
Juliet’s Love for Romeo Builds Her Courage
Numerous factors contribute to a person's growth, but few can transform one's characteristics from compliant to self-reliant. William Shakespeare's play, Romeo and Juliet, illustrates the tragic story of two ill-fated lovers, Romeo and Juliet. In the beginning, the audience is introduced to Juliet when her mother discusses an arranged marriage to a prominent nobleman, Count Paris. Later, Juliet secretly marries Romeo, a Montague, the Capulets' enemy household. They have to make strategic choices to overcome obstacles that divide them. Juliet demonstrates the most development because, at first, she was submissive, as presented by her obedience

For instance, after Lady Capulet presents the idea of marrying Paris to Juliet and asks whether Juliet would consider Paris's love, Juliet passively responds, "I'll look to like, if looking liking move. / But no more deep will I endart mine eye / Than your consent gives strength to make it fly" (1.4.103-105). Juliet's response reveals her tentativeness to act for herself and portrays her meek obedience, as she strictly follows her mother's description of Paris and her suggestion to like Paris without deviating from what may be considered excessive. Her mention of getting her mother's approval before feeling deeper attraction to Paris further demonstrates her mindset of pleasing her parents, ignoring her wishes in the process. Juliet's ignorance prevents her from acknowledging her true desires and narrows her capabilities down to satisfying the wants of her parents. Juliet's timidness is also depicted when Romeo flirts with her at the Capulets' party. He compares her to a shrine of a holy saint and mentions, "Have not saints lips, and holy palmers too?", which she deflects, stating, "Ay, pilgrim, lips that they must use in prayer." Romeo then replies, "O then, dear saint, let lips do what hands do. / They pray: grant thou, lest faith turn to despair." Juliet, once again, deflects,

Shortly after grieving Romeo's banishment, Juliet is informed by Lady Capulet that her wedding with Paris would take place on Thursday, only a few days later. This news astounds Juliet, and she expresses her disbelief and refusal in a blunt manner: "I wonder at this haste, that I must wed / Ere he that should be husband comes to woo. / I pray you, tell my lord and father, madam, / I will not marry yet; and, when I do, I swear / It shall be Romeo, whom you know I hate, / Rather than Paris. These are news indeed!" (3.5.123-128). At first, Juliet was passive about marrying Paris, but now she directly states her refusal to marry Paris. Romeo's unreserved expression of love for Juliet and Juliet's reciprocated love contributes to her change in character. She is empowered to assert her opinions and stand up to her mother, displaying self-confidence and determination to stay with Romeo. Juliet's maturity and growing independence are further exhibited when she turns to the Nurse, seeking comfort and understanding. However, the Nurse's unsatisfactory reply makes Juliet feel betrayed by her. As the Nurse leaves, Juliet vows, "Ancient damnation, O most wicked fiend! / Is it more sin to wish me thus forsworn / Or to dispraise my lord with that same tongue / Which she hath praised him with above