Sneha Ramshanker
Ms. Cross
LA 8 E
March 3, 2013
Nurse Character Analysis
Juliet
English: Woodcut 'Yet I cannot chose but laugh' fr...
Pleasaunce Baker (Juliet), Mary Nearing (Romeo), S...Throughout most of the play the nurse plays a comical role, tending to cheer up a serious scene with her jokes. Like Mercutio, she enjoys dirty and sexual jokes, entertaining the audience and thus making the play more enjoyable and amusing. But apart from being a funny character she is also portrayed a caring, kind hearted person who provides support for Juliet in many times of need. This characteristic is shown when she first meets Romeo at the church and sternly warns him that "if ye should lead her into a fool's paradise ⦠truly it were an ill thing to be offered to any gentlewoman, and very weak dealing" because she cares for Juliet so much. Her support and care for Juliet is also demonstrated when she acts as a message carrier between Romeo and Juliet. If it had not been for the Nurse, communication between the two lovers would be very near impossible. Also, being the only person besides Friar Lawrence with knowledge about their wedding, she repeatedly provides support and comfort for Juliet. For example, when Tybalt had died, she quickly volunteered to fetch Romeo without any hesitations saying "Hie to your chamber: I'll find Romeo to comfort you". Had it not been for the nurse's guidance and support Juliet would have most likely made poorly thought, rash decisions while faced with an obstacle. This is proved when the nurse for the first time discourages Juliet with having a relationship with Romeo and instead says "Beshrew my very heart, I think you are happy in this second match, for it excels your first. Or if it did not, your first is dead, or 'twere as good he were, as living here...