Using Act 3 Scene V as a focus, examine the role of Lord Capulet in Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet

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Using Act 3 Scene V as a focus, examine the role of Lord Capulet in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet

William Shakespeare wrote “Romeo and Juliet” between 1594-1595. The Capulets and the Montagues are caught up in a civil brawl; however the son and daughter from each house fall deep in love and the play ends in tragedy.  The main themes of the play are love, conflict, and the role of parents in a patriarchal society.  Capulet’s attitude in the play adds to the dramatic themes of disorder, love and fate.  Capulet decides Juliet’s fate ultimately in the sense that if she marries Paris, she’ll become a bigamist or if she disobeys her father then she’ll become disowned.

Lord Capulet is one of the most influential names in Verona.  Lord Capulet is a very wealthy man within Verona. Lord Capulet is from a noble household and has a very high social status. He is a man of power, second only to the prince.  Lord Capulet is perceived as part of the oldest generation because in Act 1 scene 1when he goes to draw for his sword his wife says:” crutch, a crutch; why call for a sword?” This tells us that Lady Capulet is realistic about their age however Capulet thinks he is still able to fight amongst the youths.  The fact that Lady Capulet is able to talk to Capulet out of turn in public shows that however strong Capulet may be perceived he is still unable to keep control of his wife.  The fact that Lady Capulet is much younger than her husband suggests that the marriage was not based on love and that they have a distant relationship.  Their marriage is based purely on status and wealth rather than true love.  So if Juliet marries Paris there will be around the same age gap as there is between Lady Capulet and Capulet therefore assuming that there marriage will turn out the same as her parents.  In contrast, Romeo and Juliet have genuine love for each other.  Lord Capulet is a very sociable man, he likes to show off his riches and display his luxurious lifestyle.  This is shown in act 1, scene 5 by the way in which he holds an extravagant party where any one who is not a Montague is invited.

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Lord Capulet loves his daughter very much as Juliet is his only child.  Lord Capulet only wants the best for Juliet.  By marrying Juliet with Paris (a noble young kinsman to the prince), Capulet feels he’s done the best by his daughter and proved his love for his daughter. Due to the lack of respect shown to females at the time it is not easy to see the love between the father and daughter. In Act 3 scene v Capulet threatens to disown her if she goes against his wishes and refuses to marry Paris: “Or never look at ...

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