How Is The Relationship Between Romeo and Juliet Represented?
Romeo and Juliet's relationship is far from simple, filled with many ups and downs. Between their family's ancient rivalry and Juliet’s unwanted suitor, there is no lack of challenges for Romeo and Juliet. Their relationship in Romeo And Juliet is represented as disloyal and unfaithful towards their families, often dishonoring their family names. This is shown, firstly by Romeo explaining why he no longer wants to be a Montague, secondly by Juliet saying she would like to change her name, and lastly, by Juliet’s lack of remorse for her cousin Tybalt’s death. These events all portray Romeo and Juliet’s relationship as being disloyal and disrespectful to their families.
Within Act 2 of Romeo And Juliet, Romeo says that he hates his family name because his family is the enemy of Juliet's family. This shows that Romeo has a lack of respect for his family and their rivalry with the Capulets. “By a name I know not how to tell thee who I am my name, dear saint, is hateful to myself because it is an enemy to thee. Had I it written, I would tear the word.”(2,2,54-57) Romeo says that if his name was written on paper he would tear it up so that he wouldn’t be hated by the Capulets. Romeo says this in a dialogue between him and Juliet, making it very clear that Romeo plans to be more faithful to Juliet rather than his own family. Romeo's use of the phrase “had I it written, I would tear the word” serves as a metaphor, the deeper meaning being that Romeo no longer wants to be a Montague and wants to change his name. Romeo also uses the term “hateful to myself” when talking about his hate for his given name, making it very clear he has no respect or loyalty towards his family name. At this time it was very important to be loyal to your family, especially among the elites. Romeo saying that he wants to rid himself of his name shows disrespect and a lack of loyalty.
Earlier on in Act 2, Juliet says that she would change her name and leave her family if it meant being able to be with Romeo. This shows that Juliet has little to no loyalty to her family nor respects the family rivalry with the Montagues. “Deny thy father and refuse thy name. Or if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, and I’ll no longer be a Capulet.”(2,2,34-36) In Juliet’s soliloquy she states that if Romeo will not change his name from Montague to Capulet, Juliet will change her name. Juliet's choice of words makes it very clear that she is willing to do whatever it takes to be with Romeo, even if it means dishonoring her family. Juliet uses the phrase “sworn my love” suggesting that if Romeo were to promise to love her, she would happily become a Montague. Once again showing a lack of loyalty to her family and the Capulet name. By stating her thoughts using a soliloquy she is able to better communicate her true intentions towards Romeo, and facing the challenges that may come along with marrying a family enemy. The play takes place at a time when women still lacked basic human rights, one being the right to marry who they want. Juliet dedicating herself to Romeo would’ve been a very big deal, especially because his family is the enemy of the Capulets. This shows that Juliet has a lack of respect for her family's rivalry and their opinion on her suitor.
Lastly, in Act 3, Juliet feels sorrow not for her cousin Tybalt’s murder but for Romeo's banishment as a result of killing Tybalt. This reinforces the idea that Juliet has very little loyalty or empathy for her family and what they are currently going through. “Wash they his wounds with tears? Mine shall be spent when theirs are dry, for Romeo’s banishment.”(3,2,131-132) Juliet says that while her family weeps for the loss of Tybalt she will cry only for the banishment of Romeo. Juliet says this in a dialogue between her and the Nurse, someone who is very close to her and cares for her very much. Juliet saying this to the Nurse shows disrespect towards the Nurse and the family she has devoted her life to. Juliet uses a hyperbole to over exaggerate the phrase “wash they his wounds with tears”, which is not to be taken literally. In this context the phrase comes off as slightly apathetic, suggesting that Juliet feels a lack of remorse for Tybalt or for her family's feelings. Another phrase Juliet uses is “when theirs are dry”, suggesting that she will not cry or mourn with her family. This shows a lack of empathy for her family’s feelings after the loss they have endured. During the time the play took place it was very common for people to be sentenced to death after committing crimes. Romeo was in fact very lucky that he was only banished from Verona, especially after committing murder. Juliet should really be happy that Romeo is only being banished. However, she still feels more sorrow for Romeo rather than the death of her cousin, once again emphasizing on Juliet's lack of empathy or respect for her family.
Romeo and Juliet's relationship is complicated and in order to make it work they must dishonor their families. This is clearly shown by the very little respect they have for their family names, as well as Juliet’s lack of empathy for her cousin's murder, but instead has empathy for his murderer, Romeo. This frames Romeo and Juliet's relationship as being disloyal and unfaithful towards their families. Their love story is filled with hardships and tragedies, but most of all, their disloyalty and unfaithfulness to their families.
Work Cited
Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. Edited by John C. Crowther, Spark Pub., 2003.
Comentarios