What Dreams and Desires Do the Nurse and Lady Capulet Share for Juliet’s Future-
What do the nurse and Lady Capulet want for Juliet? In William Shakespeare’s tragic play “Romeo and Juliet,” the desires and expectations of Juliet’s nurse and her mother, Lady Capulet, play a significant role in shaping the young girl’s destiny. Both women have distinct visions for Juliet’s future, which ultimately lead to the tragic events that unfold in Verona.
The nurse, a loyal and caring figure in Juliet’s life, has a deep affection for her charge. She desires a life of happiness and stability for Juliet, envisioning her as a wife and mother. The nurse’s primary goal is to secure a good marriage for Juliet, one that would bring her social status and financial security. In Act 1, Scene 3, the nurse expresses her concerns about Juliet’s marriage prospects:
“I would she had her eye upon some young husband, / Beshrew my heart, I would she were married!”
The nurse’s desire for Juliet to marry quickly stems from her own experiences and the societal pressures of the time. She wants to ensure that Juliet does not fall victim to the dangers of spinsterhood and the potential loss of her inheritance.
On the other hand, Lady Capulet, Juliet’s mother, has different aspirations for her daughter. As a member of the wealthy and influential Capulet family, Lady Capulet is concerned with maintaining her family’s social standing. She wants Juliet to marry a suitable husband who will enhance the family’s reputation and secure their future. In Act 1, Scene 5, Lady Capulet discusses her plans for Juliet’s marriage:
“By my troth, I’ll frown as I find her looking
Upon my lady-in-waiting.”
Lady Capulet’s focus on Juliet’s marriage is driven by her desire to see her daughter succeed in the eyes of society. She believes that a good marriage will ensure Juliet’s happiness and the prosperity of the Capulet family.
The conflicting desires of the nurse and Lady Capulet create tension and conflict within the play. The nurse’s love for Juliet and her desire for her daughter’s happiness clash with Lady Capulet’s ambition and the societal expectations placed upon her. This tension ultimately leads to the tragic union between Romeo and Juliet, as the nurse’s efforts to help Juliet marry Paris are thwarted by the intervention of her mother.
In conclusion, the nurse and Lady Capulet have different aspirations for Juliet’s future. The nurse wants her daughter to find happiness and stability through marriage, while Lady Capulet is more concerned with maintaining her family’s status and reputation. The contrasting desires of these two women contribute to the tragic outcome of “Romeo and Juliet,” highlighting the complexities of love, ambition, and societal expectations in Shakespeare’s timeless tale.
