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Essay / Juliet's Marriage Quotes: Exploring Her Feelings and Attitudes
Marriage is a central theme in William Shakespeare's play, "Romeo and Juliet." As a young woman living in Verona in the 16th century, Juliet faces society's expectations and pressures regarding marriage. Throughout the play, Juliette expresses her complex and evolving feelings about the institution of marriage through various quotes. This essay will look at Juliet's quotes on marriage, analyzing their meaning and exploring how they reflect her attitudes toward marriage. By examining these quotes, we can better understand Juliet's character and the societal context in which she exists. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay One of the first instances where Juliet expresses her thoughts on marriage is during her conversation with her mother, Lady Capulet, in Act 1, Scene 3. When Lady Capulet mentions Paris as a potential suitor, Juliet responds: “I will resemble, if I feel like moving” (1.3.98). This quote highlights Juliet's passive approach to marriage, suggesting that she is willing to consider Paris her husband as long as she finds him attractive. This also reveals her lack of agency and autonomy in the matter, as she is expected to marry someone chosen by her parents. In Act 3, Scene 5, Juliet resists pressure from her parents to marry Paris, declaring: "He will not make me a cheerful wife there" (3.5.122). This quote shows Juliet's determination to assert her own desires and preferences when it comes to marriage. Despite the consequences she may face for defying her family, Juliette refuses to accept a marriage she does not want. This rebellion against societal norms reveals Juliette's strong will and independent spirit. Juliet's famous balcony scene in Act 2, Scene 2, is a pivotal moment in the play. In this scene, she utters the iconic phrase: "What's in a name?" What we call a rose by any other name would smell as good” (2.2.43-44). Here, Juliette highlights the insignificance of names and societal labels in the context of love and marriage. This quote highlights her belief that love transcends boundaries and social conventions, suggesting that she values the emotional connection between individuals more than their external circumstances. As the play progresses, Juliette's desperation to avoid marrying Paris intensifies. In Act 4, Scene 1, she seeks help from Friar Laurence and considers taking drastic action to escape her impending marriage, stating: "If all else fails, I have the power to die" (4.1 .74). This quote shows Juliette's extreme aversion to a forced marriage, to the point that she considers suicide as a final act of resistance. This highlights the dire consequences that societal expectations and pressures can have on individuals, emphasizing the tragic nature of Juliette's situation. In conclusion, Juliet's quotes about marriage in "Romeo and Juliet" provide valuable insight into her complex feelings and attitudes toward the institution of marriage. From her initial passivity and willingness to comply with her parents' wishes, to her eventual rebellion and determination to choose her own path, Juliette's journey reflects the struggles faced by many women in patriarchal societies. By examining these quotes, we gain a deeper appreciation of Juliet's character and the societal context that shapes her decisions. In the end, "Romeo and, 2000.