The attitudes and behaviour of the parents (and parental figures) in Romeo and Juliet were normal in their time but may be considered unacceptable today - Discuss - To what degree are they responsible for the eventual tragedy?

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        An Assignment showing appreciation of social and Historical Influences,

                                                  and Cultural Contexts

The Attitudes and Behaviour of the parents (and parental figures) in Romeo and  

   Juliet were normal in their time but may be considered unacceptable today.

     Discuss. To what degree are they responsible for the eventual tragedy?

Romeo and Juliet tells the tragic story of two “star-crossed lovers” and the circumstances under which the meet their death. The play expresses strong ideas of life and the responsibilities and roles we take on as it progresses. One of the roles and influential themes of the play undertaken by both Lord and Lady Capulet, and Lord and Lady Montague is parenthood. Although they are Romeo and Juliets biological parents, there is also the nurse, surrogate mother to Juliet, and Friar Lawrence, surrogate father and confident to both Romeo and Juliet.

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Where as modern parents take part in all aspects of a childs upbringing and welfare, to a degree, parents of the 16th century hired nurses to care for their children. With this absence of interaction between parents and children from a young age, it is not surprising Lady Capulet felt uncomfortable talking to Juliet in Act1 Scene3, to the extent she even had to call the nurse back in the room after asking her to leave.

                  “This is the matter. Nurse, leave us awhile,

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