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Capulets and Montagues Lesson
Key Traits
Controlling:
Lord Capulet is a domineering character and changes throughout the course of the play. To begin with, he says that he will give Juliet a “scope of choice” when it comes to her deciding on a suitor. However, when Juliet defies his orders to marry Paris he calls her a “disobedient wrench” this suggests that he is a controlling man and believes he knows what is best for her. Although he loves her, he thinks she is too young and being a girl, incapable of deciding on matters of marriage.
Bossy:
Lady Capulet can be described as being bossy, she has a materialistic nature and is not very concerned with the feelings of others. She finds Paris to be a suitable match for Juliet as he is wealthy and it would give Juliet status. She is a stereotypical woman who follows the rule book. Seeing as she married young, she thinks it’s fair for Juliet to follow suit. When she speaks with Juliet, she asks the nurse to “come back again” which suggests that she does not have strong maternal instincts and would rather leave the nurse to provide Juliet with emotional support.
Cold:
When Juliet begins to cry and seeks Lady Capulet’s help, she remains indifferent and says “I have done with thee.” When Lady Capulet learns that Romeo has killed Tybalt she wishes for his death. The Capulets and Montagues emulate parenting in the 16th century and the difference between the ways boys and girls were parented. Daughters were expected to abide by their parents whereas boys were given more freedom.
Angry:
Lord Montague is Romeo’s father. Shakespeare conveys him as hot-headed and angry. When he sees Capulet he wants to fight him, establishing his authority and preserving his pride. He states “thou villain Capulet” which conveys his dislike for the Capulets and his aggression could be an influential factor considering Romeo’s aggressive nature.
Concerned:
Like any parent, he wants to protect Romeo and when he sees him unhappy would “willingly give cure.” After the death of Romeo and Juliet, Montague makes amends with Capulets and says he will “raise her statue in pure gold.”
Peaceful:
Lady Montague is a gentle and peaceful character. She prevents Lord Montague from getting into a fight and does not agree to aggression, she states “thou shalt not stir one foot to seek a foe” this quote also hints to the audience that the conflict between the two families may go too far. Her love and sensitivity are shown when she learns of Romeo’s banishment from Verona and dies of grief. Both parents worry about Romeo’s well-being and unlike Juliet’s parents, they appear more kind and concerned in the play. The Montagues are also not as involved as the Capulets in the play, due to the fact that Romeo is given more freedom.
Key Quotes “Content thee, gentle coz. Let him alone. He bears him like a portly gentleman, And, to say truth, Verona brags of him To be a virtuous and well-governed youth.” (Act 1, Scene 5) Explanation: Here Capulet is speaking of Romeo when Tybalt spots him at the ball. Tybalt is angered to see him and wants to start a fight, however, Capulet tells him not to, as Romeo is considered to be a “virtuous” and “well-governed youth” This suggests that Capulet does not detest Romeo near as much at Tybalt, who seethes with hatred. But Montague is bound as well as I, In penalty alike, and ’tis not hard, I think, For men so old as we to keep the peace. (Act 1, Scene 2) Explanation: This quote is significant as it explains the perspectives of the older generation in comparison to the younger generation. Capulet implies here that it would not be difficult for them to keep the peace with the Montagues, seeing as they’re ‘old,’ It contrasts with the view of the younger members of the Capulet family such as Tybalt who appears to be very conscious of the enmity between the two families, causing him to act violently. “An you be mine, I’ll give you to my friend; And you be not, hang, beg, starve, die in the streets, For, by my soul, I’ll ne’er acknowledge thee.” (Act 3, Scene 5) Explanation: Capulet makes his disappointment in Juliet known. He is angered by Juliet’s protests against marrying Paris, he goes as far as to say “I’ll give to my friends” suggesting that he sees Juliet as little more than property to be passed around. He threatens to throw her out into to streets to “beg” and “starve” because she defies his orders, showing Capulet to be an incredibly controlling and demanding man.
“We will have vengeance for it, fear thou not. Then weep no more. I’ll send to one in Mantua, Where that same banished runagate doth live.” (Act 5, Scene 3) Explanation: Lady Capulet speaks to Juliet about seeking revenge on Romeo for the death of Tybalt. Seeing Juliet weeping she assumes she is crying over her cousin, however, Juliet is more grieved at the news of Romeo being banished from Verona and Lady Capulet continues to slander Romeo’s name. “Marry, my child, early next Thursday morn The gallant, young, and noble gentleman, The County Paris, at Saint Peter’s Church.” (Act 3, Scene 5) Explanation: Lady Capulet tells Juliet to Marry Paris, she sees Paris as a potential suitor, as he is considered to be a “noble gentleman”. The reason Lady Capulet favors Paris as a suitor has a lot do to with the fact that he is wealthy, and during the 16th century marrying into wealth, bought status and honor, it also shows her superficial and disconnected nature, she isn’t as concerned about compatibility as she is wealth. “Alas, my liege, my wife is dead tonight. Grief of my son’s exile hath stopped her breath. What further woe conspires against mine age?” (Act 5, Scene 3) Explanation: By the end of the play, the Prince of Verona, Capulets and Montagues come together after the death of Paris, Romeo, and Juliet. When Montague arrives on the scene, he informs the party that his wife has died of grief over her son’s exile. After losing both his wife and his son, he pleads in sadness at the prospect of having to endure any more pain. “Right glad I am he was not at this fray” (Act 1, Scene 1) Explanation: Lady Montague does not appear much in the play, however, she does display her caring nature. She is protective of Romeo and does not like the idea of him being caught up in fights. When she hears of the fight between Montague and Capulet she is relieved that her son was not present, this signifies that she is a peacekeeper and does what she can to prevent chaos from ensuing.
