Betrayl of the Adults to Juliet

Essay by NemHigh School, 10th grade March 1996

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In Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet the adults betray Juliet because they are unable to understand her. Juliet's parents, Capulet and Lady Capulet, fail to understands Juliet's decision not to marry Paris. The Nurse fails Juliet by not supporting Juliet's decision to remain married to Romeo. The final adult to fail Juliet is Friar Lawrence who does not comprehend Juliet and Romeo's love for each other. These misunderstandings cause the adults to betray Juliet.

The first to betray Juliet is her parents, Capulet and Lady Capulet. Capulet decides to marry Juliet to Paris. When Juliet refuses to do so Capulet threatens to disown her. '...you shall not house with me.' (III, v, 200) he states. Capulet will only forgive her if she will consent to her father's decision '...I'll give you to my friend./An you be not hang, beg, starve, die in the streets.' (III, v, 203-204) His wife, upon hearing Juliet's decision against marrying to Paris, refuses to give Juliet counsel.

'Talk not to me, for I'll not speak a word./Do as thou wilt for I have done with thee.' (III, v, 214-215) Lady Capulet is angered by Juliet's choice and wishes 'I would the fool be married to her grave.' (III, v, 145) Juliet's parents betray Juliet by not supporting Juliet's pleas for the marriage to be delayed a year. Capulet and Lady Capulet do not know Juliet is married to Romeo, a fact that may have, yet not likely altered these circumstances. Her parent's betrayal causes Juliet to look for comfort from the Nurse.

The Nurse also fails to support Juliet's choice against marrying Paris. Instead of supporting Juliet the Nurse instead believes 'I think it is best you marry the county...For it excels your first (marriage).' (III, v, 230, 236) Juliet feels betrayed by this...