Juliet Undergoes a Change

Essay by linkincableUniversity, Bachelor's June 2005

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Transformation is the changing of the personality or character. It is a fundamental change throughout a period of time. Over the course of a lifetime, everyone experiences transformation as they move into each new phase of life. Usually these changes take years, but sometimes one significant event forces and individual into the next phase. An example of one such sudden change is seen in the tragic love story Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare. A character in the play named Juliet acts as an immature young lady who depends on those around her. Throughout the play, her love for Romeo transforms her into a mature grown woman.

Throughout Act 1, Scene 3 Juliet appears to be dependent, immature, and sheltered from the outside world. She depends on her parents for guidance and support and does what she is told. "Madam, I'm here. What is your will?"(1,3,7). When Juliet speaks these words she expresses that she is willing to obey her parent's wishes.

When Lady Capulet asks Juliet about marriage,"How stands your disposition to be married?" (1,3,70), Juliet replies, "It is an honor that I dream not of."(1,3,71) Uninterested by the idea of marriage and its meaning, Juliet is willing to do what her parents desire. So when Lady Capulet asks Juliet if she would be willing to marry a man she has never met before, "The valiant Paris seeks you for his love" (1,3,79-80), the idea of disobeying her parents does not remotely cross Juliet's mind. When she is told to do something or act upon something she does.

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.

(1,4,103-105)

At this point in Juliet's life, she is not ready to give up on...