Romeo and julliet.

Authors Avatar
'Analyse the dramatic contribution of Juliet in Romeo and Juliet. Focus on two scenes in the play and consider how the original audience may have responded to Juliet and her dilemma'.

The Elizabethan audience during the time of Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet. Saw a reflection of their own life's within his plays. Its appearance at this time was human rather than analytical or educational. One of the most important dimensions of Shakespeare's language is imagery. Through the use of metaphors, similes, passages of heightened natural description, Shakespeare's writing is to a finer degree than other writers of his time, which is why Romeo and Juliet is world famous.

An Elizabethan audience's definition of a tragedy would be something that represents flaws and shortcomings which are universal but are emphasised by the prominence and nobility of the characters involved. This is exactly what Juliet provides within Romeo and Juliet. She seems essentially a naïve, obedient child. Although Juliet is young, her passion is expressed with intelligence and wit to convey a sense of maturity. However the principle of Juliet's character is her youth. This is first displayed in the beginning of the play when Lady Capulet mentions Paris's interest in marrying her; Juliet tolerantly replies that she will try and see if she can love him, a response that seems puerile in its obedience and in its immature exposition of love.
Join now!


Juliet's character could have been perceived as disrespectful to an Elizabethan audience. She seemingly lacks obedience towards her parents. This is demonstrated through out the play, particularly when she was dismissive of the arranged marriage to Paris. Female independence was uncommon in England during this time. The social structure throughout society ensured the subordination of women by men. Daughters remained under the care of their fathers until they were married, at which time they became subject to their husband's authority. This was seen as a normal way for a woman to live and the woman had to choice ...

This is a preview of the whole essay