Romeo And Juliet Gender Roles Essay

In society, gender roles play an important role as it helps in building structure and assigning certain roles. However, some may not agree with these roles and expectations, which can potentially lead to their rebellious attitudes. This is apparent during the Elizabethan era in Verona, a place in which gender roles play a huge role in society and is very emphasized. In William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, gender roles are constantly shown throughout the play. The two protagonists, Romeo and Juliet display the consequences of circumventing gender roles as their actions later prove to result in external conflicts and tragic events. This is evident through Romeo’s femininity throughout the play, Juliet going against her own gender

During the entire play, Romeo’s personality really stands out as it is very feminine in contrast to how men were supposed to be. His femininity causes him to act certain ways which leads to many tragic events. An example of this is during the balcony scene where Romeo tells Juliet, “Oh speak again, bright angel, for thou art/ As glorious to this night, being o’er my head,/ As a winged messenger of heaven” (2.2.26-28). As he talks to Juliet in this scene, Romeo’s disappearing male role becomes apparent. He is referring Juliet to an angel from heaven, and is essentially putting himself below her. At the time, a male would never even imagine himself below a woman in any way, shape or form. Romeo’s femininity also attracts Juliet towards him, leading to a love between two supposed enemies. As a result, many conflicts and tragedies occur. For example, their love worsens the family feud and it leads to not only the death of family and friends, but the death of the lovers as well. Secondly, Romeo once again shows his sensitive side when he gets banished and Friar Lawrence talks to him in his cell. As they talk, Friar tells Romeo, “Art thou a man? Thy form cries out thou art;/ Thy tears are womanish” (3.3.109-110). Not