Romeo and Juliet

William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet (Ed. Rex Gibson. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2009) is a tragic tale of two star-crossed lovers. Throughout the play, the two lovers show a major transformation and growth. I believe that Juliet becomes the more mature, stronger and braver character of the two. By “stronger,” I mean more emotionally stable and able to deal with stressful situations. By “mature,” I mean more conscious of the decisions and the resulting consequences. And by “braver,” I mean able to face and overcome fears. In this essay I will prove that Juliet is the more mature, stronger and braver character at the end of the play by exploring the following topics: Juliet grows up and disobeys her parents to make her own choices; Juliet’s consideration on the suddenness of her love with Romeo; Romeo and Juliet’s reaction to tragic and stressful situations and Juliet’s willingness to risk death to be with Romeo. The mention of marriage is the trigger of Juliet’s first signs of obedience; and disobedience to make her own decisions. When the audience first meets Juliet Capulet, Shakespeare portrays her as a very quiet and obedient thirteen year old. During the Elizabethan period, daughters were viewed as property of the father. Therefore it was highly unlikely for daughters to rebel against their parents. Upon Lady Capulet’s proposal for Juliet to marry count Paris, young Juliet respectfully responds with her view on marriage, “It is an honour that I dream not of” (Rom. 1.1.67). For her age, Juliet’s answer was unchildish and polite. She then shows maturity for her age by making no promises of marriage, but attempts to please her parents by giving Paris a chance: I’ll look to like, if looking liking move; But no more deep will I endart mine eye Than your consent gives strength to make it fly (Rom.1.1.98-100).
Later on in the play, Lady Capulet tells Juliet that Lord Capulet has already arranged for her to marry Paris. Juliet transforms