The imagery in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet reflects and often supports the time period's stereotypes of men and women and their certain function and responsibilities in society. Shakespeare's figurative language throughout the play portrays women with the following traits in relationship to men; silence, obedience, sexual chastity, patience and humility. This patriarchal potency is the root of conflict in the play and ends up causing the "star cross"d lovers"" demise.
The role of women in Verona is made clear early on in the play. In the first scene you witness a conversation between Sampson and Gregory, both Capulet kinsmen. When Sampson says " therefore women, being the weaker vessels- we see a definite distinction between who they consider inferior and superior. He then says, "I will be civil with the maids. I will cut off their heads." To that he adds "or their maidenheads." By saying this he assumes a patriarchal role of divine judge while comparing rape with execution, implying that either one would be a just punishment. This quote shows how important it was for a man in Verona to hold power over his inferiors, specifically women.
The patriarchal power structure in the Capulet family, where Juliet's father controls the action of each family member, places Juliet in an extremely vulnerable position. She is unable to speak of her true feelings or even vocalize her opinion on marriage. When her father enters late in Act 3 Scene 5 the plays central conflict is made obvious. By this time Romeo and Juliet have performed their marriage without any parental consent, which was an offense against her demanding father. After consummating this new union Juliet is brokenhearted and anxious after Romeo leaves the scene, she then has to deal with her father's verbal lashing. His last words in the scene threaten her disownment and possible death:.
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An you"ll be mine, I"ll give you to my friend;.
