Power and Control is the main theme in Shakespeare’s play, Romeo & Juliet. Power is presented by fate, love and parental control.
Shakespeare clearly demonstrates that Lord Capulet is a very protective father. This is because in Act 1 scene 2 Capulet says “ hopeful lady of my earth” In this quote Shakespeare shows that Capulet is a loving and protective father because children died easily and the words ‘hopeful lady’ means that Juliet was his only hope , Juliet was very precious for him because she was his only child. Also in that quote Shakespeare used flattering language. Lord Capulet was a responsible and protective father which the audience in those times found as a typical father, however throughout the play Capulet gives Juliet freedom to choose who she wants to marry which wasn’t considered as normal in those days. “My child is yet a stranger in the world” This could suggest that he does not feel ready about Juliet being married. The word ‘stranger’ shows that she’s naïve and inexperienced. And that she hasn’t been long enough in the ‘world’.
Shakespeare shows that Lord Capulet has the ultimate power and control in his household. His power and control is shown trough his relationship between his wife, daughter and others members of his family. In act 1 scene 5 Capulet is presented as a kind and friendly man by starting his sentence “ Welcome , gentlemans” But as he goes along Shakespeare shows that he can be manipulative not only over his family. “Ladies that have their toes unplagu’d with corns will walk a bout you.” This quote maybe is suggesting that he’s manipulating woman. Also throughout the scene he says “Am I the master here, or you? Go to.” The language used here is dominant. Shakespeare uses rhetorical question to show that Lord Capulet has control to tell people what to do and authority over his family, also he’s foreshadowing the disasters