Juliet from “Romeo and Juliet” defies the patriarchal roles

Thesis statement: The purpose of this essay is to examine Juliet's position and
lived experience within the play, as well as how she opposes the patriarchal role by
being the owner of her own decisions even at the end of her life.
Topic sentence 1: Juliet is represented in the play as a determined and clever
character who fights for having her decisions validated and tries to overcome her
problems by thinking strategically.
Topic sentence 2: it is Juliet's decisions that cause frustration and
disappointment in her closest relationships.

According to Pope (1998), “female characters adhered to strict patriarchal

expectations of their time". Literary pieces such as the Shakesperian play “Romeo
and Juliet” are no exception. Marriages, for example, were arranged by the woman's
father during Shakespearean times. So, Juliet’s refusal to make her own decisions
independently of her parent's desires and her forward marriage proposal to Romeo
are several examples of what makes Juliet a woman who defies the patriarchal
expectations of her. The purpose of this essay is to examine Juliet's position and
lived experience within the play, as well as how she opposes the patriarchal role by
being the owner of her own decisions even at the end of her life .
To begin with, Juliet is represented in the play as a determined and clever
character who fights for having her decisions validated and tries to overcome her
problems by thinking strategically. First, she voices her opinion, fights for her idea
and maintains it. Since she not only defies her father, who is the proprietor of a
young woman until she is married, but also the social norms that dictate a man
(initiating a romantic relationship and/or marriage) speak largely about her situation
as a feminist character. Then, she uses Nurse to deliver messages to Romeo. She
secretly plans her marriage. When Romeo gets banished from Verona, she lies to
their parents and Paris about going to Friar Lawrence to confess her sins. Instead,
she goes to Friar Lawrence in order to make a plan to escape from town with
Romeo. She knows that if she argues, nobody will listen to her. She intentionally
arranges the plan to achieve what she thinks is good for her and she will not receive
commands from others. Finally, her determination and voice are so important in the
story that she keeps her word of being with Romeo till the end of her life. So, when
her plans go wrong and Romeo dies. She decides to stab herself using Romeo’s
dagger.
Nevertheless, it is Juliet's decisions that cause frustration and disappointment
in her closest relationships. Regarding the nurse and Lady Capulet, they are excited
when they know that Juliet is going to marry a nobleman, they cannot understand
why Juliet refuses to marry Paris because for them marrying a high-class man is a
reason for honour and pride. Lady Capulet, for example, is an obedient wife who has
accepted her role in the patriarchal society. So, she is always beside her husband
and agrees with everything. In the case of the Nurse, though she helps Juliet as a
messenger at the beginning of the play, she gets frustrated with Juliet’s obstinacy in
being with Romeo instead of Paris. Juliet’s father, Capulet, is the decision-maker of
his family. This can be seen in the fact that he is who plans Juliet’s marriage. He has
a big authority over the people around him, especially over Lady Capulet and Juliet
who had no choice but to obey him. But, when Juliet refuses the marriage, Capulet
does not listen to Juliet’s explanation, and his rage explodes through his words as he
calls her “headstrong” and “disobedient wretch”.
In conclusion, Juliet defies patriarchal expectations by taking her own
decisions though such decisions end with her life tragically. Juliet is shown in the
play as a strong and astute heroine who struggles for her decisions to be
acknowledged and seeks to solve her difficulties by thinking strategically.
Nonetheless, Juliet's choices are the source of frustration and disappointment in her
closest relationships.

Excellent job, Ludmila! 

Below you will find a detailed correction on your essay.

Best,
Roxana
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Delivery details Delivery: 3rd January

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