How does Shakespeare present the relationship between Romeo and Juliet in the early part of the play? Do you notice anything significant about gender roles? In your response make reference to early parts of the play

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Jawad Ahmed

How does Shakespeare present the relationship between ‘Romeo and Juliet’ in the early part of the play? Do you notice anything significant about gender roles? In your response make reference to early parts of the play.

In the 16th century a patriarchal society, where men dominated women, meant that women had very little say in marriages. When Shakespeare first introduced ‘Romeo and Juliet’ for the first time their type of relationship was unheard of and controversial. Arranged marriages were very common at the time depending on your social status and love had no meaning. Women had no rights and were viewed as the ‘property’ of the husband. Men also had no respect for women and often raided other villages for wives. At the time marrying at the age of 12 appeared to be normal, however now is frowned at, yet viewing this from an undeveloped, cultural country would still appear to be normal. Shakespeare presented relationships by the way the characters interacted, using dramatic devices and also further enhanced it with the backdrop feud.

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The males in ‘Romeo and Juliet’ are usually portrayed as aggressive, competitive and violent; on the other hand women being the weaker and subordinate sex are dominated by the male. “‘Tis true; and therefore women being the weaker vessels, are ever thrust to the wall;” From this scene you can see that women are being seen as weak and are not worth the males time so will be pushed up against the wall. Women are perceived as the males ‘property’ and are expected to listen to them without question. Also the males are the more dominant gender throughout the ...

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