Juliet vs. Societal Expectations in Shakespeare In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare clearly depicts the expectations for women in Verona. However, Juliet breaks free of many of those stereotypes. Although this play shows what life was like for women in general in 15th century Europe, some of that society’s expectations for women are shown to impact Juliet directly. Despite this, she is portrayed as a strong character who struggles to overcome these customs. The attitude toward women in this time period is expressed by many characters, both men and women. In Act I, scene i, 15-16, Sampson states that “women, being the weaker vessels, are ever thrust to the wall.” Sampson also talks about cutting off the heads of maids, “or their maidenheads.”…show more content… When Romeo is attempting to woo Juliet from under her balcony in Act II, scene ii, Wells notes that Juliet “does not know that according to the rules of the game that Romeo is playing, you are meant to be cold and aloof when your lover reveals his wounded heart, and that you are supposed to freeze the flames of his passion with your icy disdain.” This quote shows that even though Juliet is young and doesn’t know all of society’s dating rules, she’s still expected to play by them. Another example is found in Act III, scene i, 69-71, when Lady Capulet tells Juliet “younger than you, here in Verona, ladies of esteem, are already mothers” (Shakespeare). By this statement, Juliet’s mother is pressuring her to get married at thirteen, because there are girls even younger than her who are already married with kids of their own. Later in the play, Lord Capulet tells Lady Capulet “a’ Thursday, tell [Juliet], she shall be married to this noble earl” (Act III, scene iv, 20-21). Then, speaking directly to Juliet in Act III, scene v, 162-163, he says “I tell thee what – get thee to church a’ Thursday or never after look me in the face.” By these quotes, it is clear that not only is Juliet expected to marry, but her father demands that her marriage take place when he wants, and to the man he
