Hostile Relationships In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

As many people know in Romeo and Juliet there are two wealthy families in constant conflict; the Montague and Capulet families. The Montague family has a loving, kind, and healthy relationship throughout the entire family; however, the Capulets have a rather hostile relationship. In act 1.2 the father of Juliet, Capulet, behaves in a rather compassionate manner. When Couplet meets with Paris, Paris expresses interest in his daughter, Juliet. As Paris directly notes to Couplet, “‘But now, my lord what say you to my suit?/”’(Rom.1.2.6), Couplet responds, ‘“My child is yet a stranger in the world./ She hath not seen the change of fourteen years/”’ (Rom.1.2.8-9). Couplet demonstrates care and worries for his daughter. He believes that Juliet is far too young for marriage. At this point in time, childbirth was a leading source of death for all women; in particularly young women. Although Capulet does not always exemplify kindness in his everyday life, he still manages to express tenderness love for his daughter. …show more content…
Earlier, in act 1.1, Capulet rushes in a conflict on the streets and asserts, “‘Give me my sword, ho!”’ Lady Capulet responds “‘ A crutch, a crutch! Why call you for a sword?” (Rom.1.1.76-78). Lady Capulet is indirectly mocking her husband for being old and not in great physical condition. This passage is one of many examples of the poor marriage the Capulets possess. In Capulet’s conversation with Paris regarding Juliet’s hand in marriage, he notes, “‘And too soon marred are those so early made”’(Rom.1.2.13). This quotation is illustrating Capulet’s affection for Juliet. He understands what a bad marriage can do to a wife and husband and does not wish for his daughter to experience what he has felt for most of his life. In conclusion Capulet wishes for his daughter to have a loving, consensual