Character study of the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet

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The Nurse

The nurse is in the play all the time.  The nurse cares for Juliet.  She looks after her like a mother and is a mother figure to Juliet.  The Nurse has been in the Capulet household for at least fourteen years and has been with Juliet all her life.  The nurse was Juliet’s wet nurse and so she has a very strong bond with her.  She treats Juliet as if she was her own daughter as she took the place of  the nurse’s daughter when she died.  The Nurse is a very affectionate character and very caring.  She is always looking out for Juliet and she is continually showing love for Juliet.  Although really the Nurse is a servant to Juliet this is quite hidden.

The Nurse is clearly one of the family.  The is trusted as a family servant.  When Lady Capulet is trying to talk of Juliet she finds it uncomfortable and calls the nurse in.  They do not have secret from her and Lady Capulet is happy to have the nurse help with the discussion with Juliet about her possible marriage.   “Nurse, come back again, have remember’d me thou’s hear our counsel”

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When Juliet talks to her mother she speaks very formally and calls her “madam”.  Whereas, when she talks to the Nurse she talks very openly.

The Nurse shows her affection for Juliet when she calls her Act 1 Scene 3 she says “What, Lamb? What Ladybird?”  the language is not formal and there is a relaxed atmosphere around them

The nurse also helps Juliet with things she wants to know about Romeo.  She acts as a sort of secret spy.  “His name is Romeo, and a Montegue”.  Juliet is able to tell the Nurse that she is ...

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