It was not uncommon for women to be expected to marry; this notion even extended to Queen Elizabeth I, "The Virgin Queen". Despite common derogatory opinions on the subject, the queen remained unmarried to her death, even though she was courted strenuously by many. Based on the male dominated society in which she lived, she likely made this decision to stay in power; if she married, her abilities would be limited by her husband.
Erik of Sweden proposed to her many times, and in a 1560 letter, she politely declined him again, saying that she does not wish to take a husband; any husband. Even though Queen Elizabeth rejected the man on several occasions over a long period of time, it was likely that he was so shocked by her behavior that he just kept trying; he couldn't make sense of it.
Juliet's behavior in denying marriage to Paris can be seen similarly; even though she knew her contrary attitude wouldn't be accepted, she stated her opinion on the matter anyway. However, Juliet wasn't in a place of power to be making these treacherous decisions; unlike the queen, she had male family members who would be able to control her. Thus, the outcome of Juliet's situation was very different than the queen's.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
"Disobedient" Women in Romeo and Juliet
In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare paints many images of womanly behavior uncharacteristic of Elizabethan era norms. Children, regardless of gender, were expected to behave as miniature adults, and women were to fully submit themselves to the will of the male figures in their lives.
Juliet expresses this contrary behavior throughout the play by committing to a secret marriage, downright rejecting her father's will, and by scheming for a release from her life as a Capulet. Likewise, Juliet's nurse is equally disobedient; she openly expresses her true opinions to both Lord and Lady Capulet, and often speaks out of turn. Furthermore, the nurse acts upon these personal opinions by assisting Juliet with her "unruly" plans.
In the beginning of the play, in Act 1, Scene 4, Lady Capulet approaches Juliet with Lord Capulet's wish for Juliet to be married to Paris. In the interim, the nurse goes off on a miniature rant about how Juliet's marriage would make her proud, and how much she loves Juliet, fondly remembering events in her childhood. Lady Capulet becomes annoyed with the nurse's speech, exclaiming, "Enough of this. I pray thee, hold thy peace".
The status of a nurse in the Elizabethan era was that as a servant; they would serve as a nanny in a wealthy household, and receive food, clothing, and shelter in exchange for work at all hours. Thus, it isn't surprising that Lady Capulet didn't value the nurses input into the conversation. She believed she was being kind enough in letting her be present to hear the matter of Juliet's marriage being discussed, but any more than this was unwelcome.
Lady Capulet then asks Juliet, "Can you like of Paris' love?" At this point in the play, Juliet is willing to be an obedient daughter, even though she would rather not marry. However, in Act 3, Scene 5, Lady Capulet informs Juliet that the date is set for this nuptial arrangement, to which she responds that she would sooner marry her enemy, downright rejecting the request.
When Lord Capulet hears of Juliet’s reaction he begins to scold her to the point that he says he would have her disowned and begging on the streets. The nurse interjects, directly telling Lord Capulet that he is speaking too harshly, to which he snaps back by telling her to be quiet.
It is interesting that this scene brought out the “worst” in these two women. The nurse spoke out of turn to defend Juliet, whom she loves as a daughter, while Juliet rebels because she seems to have no control over her life.
Juliet expresses this contrary behavior throughout the play by committing to a secret marriage, downright rejecting her father's will, and by scheming for a release from her life as a Capulet. Likewise, Juliet's nurse is equally disobedient; she openly expresses her true opinions to both Lord and Lady Capulet, and often speaks out of turn. Furthermore, the nurse acts upon these personal opinions by assisting Juliet with her "unruly" plans.
In the beginning of the play, in Act 1, Scene 4, Lady Capulet approaches Juliet with Lord Capulet's wish for Juliet to be married to Paris. In the interim, the nurse goes off on a miniature rant about how Juliet's marriage would make her proud, and how much she loves Juliet, fondly remembering events in her childhood. Lady Capulet becomes annoyed with the nurse's speech, exclaiming, "Enough of this. I pray thee, hold thy peace".
The status of a nurse in the Elizabethan era was that as a servant; they would serve as a nanny in a wealthy household, and receive food, clothing, and shelter in exchange for work at all hours. Thus, it isn't surprising that Lady Capulet didn't value the nurses input into the conversation. She believed she was being kind enough in letting her be present to hear the matter of Juliet's marriage being discussed, but any more than this was unwelcome.
Lady Capulet then asks Juliet, "Can you like of Paris' love?" At this point in the play, Juliet is willing to be an obedient daughter, even though she would rather not marry. However, in Act 3, Scene 5, Lady Capulet informs Juliet that the date is set for this nuptial arrangement, to which she responds that she would sooner marry her enemy, downright rejecting the request.
When Lord Capulet hears of Juliet’s reaction he begins to scold her to the point that he says he would have her disowned and begging on the streets. The nurse interjects, directly telling Lord Capulet that he is speaking too harshly, to which he snaps back by telling her to be quiet.
It is interesting that this scene brought out the “worst” in these two women. The nurse spoke out of turn to defend Juliet, whom she loves as a daughter, while Juliet rebels because she seems to have no control over her life.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Women in Elizabethan England
In Elizabethan England, men were considered to be the dominant figure. Wives and daughters were expected to be submissive to their husbands and fathers, and were treated as property in this sense; marriage's were frequently arranged by the patriarch, with finances rather than feeling in mind.
In Romeo and Juliet, Juliet's father expects her to marry Paris, who is of well-breeding. When Juliet expresses her discontent with this arrangement, her father becomes angry; it is the place of women in this society to be obedient. Going against the social normality of the period, Juliet rebels against her father's wishes and marries Romeo in secrecy.
The painting above is “Romeo and Juliet”, and was created on September 29, 2009 by James Vilkus of Wilton Manors, FL. It represents a more modern depiction of a scene from Romeo and Juliet, but accurately represents Elizabethan feelings towards women.
Juliet's body is exposed to the elements, while the chivalrous Romeo is offering his hand in assistance. In a sense, I feel that the artist is labeling Juliet as promiscuous; in the play, she and Romeo have physical relations before being married. If others had known of this act, Juliet's name would have been smeared, while Romeo would have felt little consequence.
In Romeo and Juliet, Juliet's father expects her to marry Paris, who is of well-breeding. When Juliet expresses her discontent with this arrangement, her father becomes angry; it is the place of women in this society to be obedient. Going against the social normality of the period, Juliet rebels against her father's wishes and marries Romeo in secrecy.
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