Romeo And Juliet Coming Of Age Essay

Ethan Zerangue

Ms. Baker

English 1

2 February 2023

In his masterpiece, the Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare portrays some characters to live idle lives and to be strongly against change, but portrays others, like the fateful protagonists, to be willing to go against stereotypes. Juliet Capulet, one of the protagonists and love interest of the other protagonist, Romeo, is shown to have changed from initially obedient to rebellious; ultimately revealing the major theme of coming of age.

Juliet shifts from compliant to rebellious. Shakespeare writes, “I'll look to like, if looking liking move… But no more deep will I endart mine eye… Than your consent gives strength to make it fly” (Shakespeare Act I, scene iv, lines 103-105). In the

In the second act of the play, Shakespeare writes. “What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet" (Shakespeare Act 2, scene 2, lines 46-47). During this part of the story, Juliet is talking to Romeo, and they are discussing how names hold no meaning and proclaim their undying love for each other. This is significant because it proves how Juliet has become independent and strayed away from her parents. It also signifies her resentment towards being of her family and bearing the Capulet name. Another example of the theme of maturity is when Shakespeare writes "What's here? A cup, closed in my true love's hand? Poison, I see, hath been his timeless end. O churl! Drunk all and left no friendly drop to help me after? I will kiss thy lips. Haply some poison yet doth hang on them, To make me die with a restorative'' (Shakespeare Act V, scene iii, line 166-171). During this part of the story, Juliet is conspiring with Friar Lawrence about how to go about running away from the castle and meeting up with Romeo. Friar Lawrence gave the lovesick girl a poison that will knock her out for 42 hours and slow her pulse down a lot to make it seem like she is dead. Juliet’s actions highlight the drastic measures she would take to be with her lover, something she would never do under her parent’s gaze. Ultimately, her actions show that the starstruck girl