Romeo and Juliet Final Edited Essay

Romeo and Juliet Essay: Capulet

By Jeremy Goldstein 812

            The play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare is a tragedy about two lovers from two families that hate each other. The character Capulet is the father of one of the lovers, Juliet. As a father, he had a chance to be a mentor to her, but takes a far darker route; and in the words of Juliet, probably a shadow. His changes lead to a turning point at the end of the play. Capulet’s anger is the life of Juliet.

            In the beginning of the story, Capulet does what he thinks is best for Juliet and yet he does still take respect for her opinion. For example, he says to Paris, “And, she agreed, within her scope of choice, lies my consent and fair according choice.” He doesn’t just give Paris the keys to his wife, but kindly gives Juliet a decision. Also, when Romeo is at his party, he lets him stay and mingle despite the pleads of Tybalt, his respected nephew. He says, “He bears him like a portly gentlemen. And, to say the truth, Verona brags of him to be a virtuous and well-governed youth.” This shows that he respects even the enemy. It appears that Capulet is a perfect mentor.

            In the middle to end of the play, Capulet becomes much more commanding, acting like a cruel figure. While he may have had respect for her opinions earlier, this has clearly diminished. One example of this is when he says, “I’ll not wed. I cannot love. I am too young. I pray you, pardon me.” He’s mocking her, and blatantly. He thinks that she’s acting selfish when really he doesn’t know what emotional pain Juliet is going through. Capulet also even expresses a little hatred, saying, “God had lent us but this only child, but now I see this one is one too much, and we have a curse in having her.” The fact that he says lent means that he wants to get rid of her, and soon. He can’t stand her mere presence while in his rage. This newly picked up attitude makes him a shadow.

            When Capulet changes, the rest of the play changes. It’s almost a cause and effect pattern. For example, he gives out many instructions to the characters with him in Act 3 Scene 5, which causes his wife to question his judgment at some points. Then he yells at Juliet, and the nurse becomes convinced that Juliet should marry Paris. This causes Juliet to fake her own death. And of course, her death leads to the eternal rests of Romeo and Paris. When one chip falls, in this case the emotions of Capulet, so do the rest, unraveling the rest of the plot.

           

In conclusion, Capulet is a cruel figure to Juliet. Being her father, he should be kind and tolerant. He is at some points, but overall he more fits the mold of a shadow, a character in the way, making the story sadder for the spectators. The play would definitely be a lot different if it weren’t for him; and it wouldn’t be a tragedy.