Romeo And Juliet Patriarchy Essay
The Role Patriarchy Plays in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
Stephen Evans’ “Study guide for Romeo and Juliet” quotes Anthony Fletcher’s definition of patriarchy as: “the institutionalised male dominance over women and children in the family and the subordination of women in society in general (xv)” (Evans, 4) Looking at this definition, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet displays examples of “patriarchy” in many ways. While Fletcher’s definition focuses on women and children there can be an argument that, from cradle to grave, all members of Verona’s society are subject to the male-dominated patriarchy in one form or another. By studying the familial structure of the major players, the social roles of the populace, the hierarchical structure of leadership, and the interactions between each, the motif is a very dominate one.
Shakespeare’s representation of patriarchy in the Capulet family is a major …show more content…
In Act 1, Prince Escalus the fighting between the two houses is expressly forbidden by Prince Escalus. This decree demands the death of those who break it. “If ever you disturb our streets again, / Your lives shall pay the forfeit of peace” (1.1.91-92). When in grief over Mercutio’s death, Romeo kills Tybalt, it is in Prince Escalus’ power to banish Romeo from the city. As the head of Verona’s patriarchy, the Prince can change his decree if it is his will. Mercutio is of Prince Escalus bloodline and his death is an affront to his authority and the class system within Verona. It is in the fact that Romeo committed his act against the Prince’ s will by avenging the death of ruling class blood that saves Romeo from death. As the Capulet’s demand Romeo’s death, Prince Escalus’s responds, “Romeo slew him; he slew Mercutio:/ Who now the price of his dear blood doth owe?” (3.2.180-181). Prince Escalus punishes both the families with hefty fines for their
Stephen Evans’ “Study guide for Romeo and Juliet” quotes Anthony Fletcher’s definition of patriarchy as: “the institutionalised male dominance over women and children in the family and the subordination of women in society in general (xv)” (Evans, 4) Looking at this definition, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet displays examples of “patriarchy” in many ways. While Fletcher’s definition focuses on women and children there can be an argument that, from cradle to grave, all members of Verona’s society are subject to the male-dominated patriarchy in one form or another. By studying the familial structure of the major players, the social roles of the populace, the hierarchical structure of leadership, and the interactions between each, the motif is a very dominate one.
Shakespeare’s representation of patriarchy in the Capulet family is a major …show more content…
In Act 1, Prince Escalus the fighting between the two houses is expressly forbidden by Prince Escalus. This decree demands the death of those who break it. “If ever you disturb our streets again, / Your lives shall pay the forfeit of peace” (1.1.91-92). When in grief over Mercutio’s death, Romeo kills Tybalt, it is in Prince Escalus’ power to banish Romeo from the city. As the head of Verona’s patriarchy, the Prince can change his decree if it is his will. Mercutio is of Prince Escalus bloodline and his death is an affront to his authority and the class system within Verona. It is in the fact that Romeo committed his act against the Prince’ s will by avenging the death of ruling class blood that saves Romeo from death. As the Capulet’s demand Romeo’s death, Prince Escalus’s responds, “Romeo slew him; he slew Mercutio:/ Who now the price of his dear blood doth owe?” (3.2.180-181). Prince Escalus punishes both the families with hefty fines for their