Long Answer

Before meeting Romeo, how does Juliet view the prospect of marriage?
Before meeting Romeo how does Juliet evaluate the right of her parents to
choose her husband?

Throughout Act 1, the characters of Romeo and Juliet undergo transformations, and are
different both, individually and together, towards the end of the act from what they were in the
beginning. Shakespeare makes use of literary devices and a rich plot to shed light on the growth of
the two characters. He lays emphasis on Juliet’s views on marriage and her relationship with her
parents before the entrance of Romeo in her life. He also uses contrast to show the audience how
these views and relationships change once Romeo becomes a prominent aspect of Juliet’s day-to-
day.

The beginning two scenes are integral to gaining an understanding of Romeo’s character.
Romeo is seen to be in unrequited love with Rosaline. He seems to be infatuated with her as he had
“Ne’er saw her match since first the world begun.” One can conclude that Romeo is lovestruck and
has no control over his emotions. During his time of being blindfolded by love, he speaks extremely
philosophically and claims that “Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs.” The metaphor
indicates that love is an illusion propagated by sadness and yet it is “a madness most discreet, a
choking gall, and a preserving sweet.” The words “discreet” and “sweet” rhyme and breaks the
monotony of his monologue, and adds to the fairy-like quality of the concept he is talking about -
love. Shakespeare uses juxtaposition in the form of “chocking gall” and “preserving sweet” to bring
out the two extremes that he is referring to.

Juliet, only a child of fourteen, is under the impression that she must do and say as told by
her parents. Often ideas are planted into her head, due to the lack of her knowing any better. This is
noticed when the nurse comments that Juliet “wast the prettiest babe that e’er I nursed. And I might
live to see thee married ones, I have my wish.” Juliet’s mother latches onto this stating, “Tell me
daughter Juliet, how stands your dispositions to be married.” Juliet has been cornered by the nurse
and her mother, and has had an idea planted in her head. The two are subtlety pressurising her, and
are trying to gauge her response to the topic that is marriage. Juliet goes on to say that “it is an
honour that I dream not of.” It can be concluded that marriage is seen to be such a big deal for such
a young girl, who is evidently not prepared for it. Lady Capulet mentions that girls younger than
Juliet have already been made mothers as she was herself, at Juliet’s age. This is shown through Lady
Capulet’s dialogues from line 70 to line 74. One can assume that Lady Capulet is casting her own
experiences onto Juliet- a clear indication that Juliet does not have much of a say in the matter of
her life. Paris, a “man of wax”, has been the chosen husband for Juliet. He is wealthy and will make
Juliet rise in status. Juliet, helplessly, tells her mother that “[she’ll] look to like, if looking liking
move”. It seems absurd that Juliet succumbs to the pressure, and will willingly try to like Paris for her
family’s sake.

Upon seeing Juliet, Romeo is entranced by her beauty. Scene 5 is an indication of the
concept of love at first sight where Romeo talks of Juliet’s beauty. He says that “she doth teach the
torches to burn bright”, “beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear”, and “touching hers, make
blessed my rude hand.” Romeo talks about how Juliet radiates a lot of light, portraying her sheer
elegance. He has completely forgotten about Rosaline, and is in awe of the allure she possesses. The
theme of fate and destiny plays a huge role in the meeting of Romeo and Juliet. The dialogue
between Romeo and Juliet is filled with metaphors and is based on the love they posses for each
other, even at first sight. The religious references used such as “saints” and “pilgrims” indicate how
their love is pure and synchronised into a sonnet. Juliet’s view on marriage changes dramatically and
claims that her “grave is like to be [her] wedding bed”, indicating that she is ready to die for Romeo.

By creating a complex dynamic between the two protagonists, the playwright brings out
their individual characteristics. Romeo is shown to be easily infatuated, impulsive, and passionate,
while Juliet is rather meek, timid, and oppressed. Together, they are deeply in love and awe-struck
by each other regardless of the hardships they face.