How were women treated, and how do we know?
- Using the text, create a thesis statement based on the above question.
- Organize your paragraph beginning with the thesis.
- Use two pieces of textual evidence that supports your UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE
- Conclude your paragraph with an insight into what Shakespeare wanted the reader to understand about life through the treatment of women.
- Bring Quote to Class- Graded and placed in the writing folder.
48 comments:
Women were not taken seriously and nobody cared about their feeling back then. We know this because in "Romeo and Juliet" it says the parents would pick who the women married and if the man wanted children they must have children, it wouldn't matter if they already loved someone or not. They were also expected to raise the children and be a stay at home wife. Shakespeare wanted to show the reader that woman had feeling and they should be thought about.
Compared to the century that we live, women were not treated with respect or dignity in Elizabethan Time. In fact, they were considered to be nothing more than blood, bone, and skin. For one thing, they were a pure element to just watch and mock at. In Act II Scene IV, Mercutio, Benvolio, and Romeo are talking while the Nurse and Peter arrive. Both Mercutio and Romeo insult the poor woman and exit the scene. The fact that no one in the area tried to put a stop to this proves that this just wasn’t the cruelty of Romeo and Mercutio, but it was the cruelty of all Verona. The other thing about women at that time is that they weren’t given many options. The one thing that woman in that time would have wanted to do was to have a love marriage. Unfortunately, in Act I, Lord Capulet and Lady Capulet were trying to get Juliet to marry Paris. As you can see in this piece of literature, William Shakespeare wanted to give his audience the feelings that matched to the feelings of a woman in Elizabethan Time.
- SP
Women were treated as inferior to men, which is shown throughout the play in numerous events. Confined to their houses and husbands, women were expected to stay home and have children, also men could treat women how they pleased sometimes being extremely rude to them. Women were seen as weak and overemotional, for a man to be called a woman was an insult. Romeo criticized himself for becoming too feminine, which he meant as becoming sensitive and cowardly, "Thy beauty hath made me effeminate (II, I)" Men were allowed to treat women however they wanted to and women couldn't do anything about it. When Mercurtio was tormenting and taunting the nurse (II, ii) she could not stand up for herself because men were allowed to say what they pleased to women. If a woman wanted to marry a man and her parents wanted her to have an arranged marriage with a different man, she was out of luck. Parents could choose whom their daughters were to marry without any regard to what their daughter thought of her arrangement. Capulet and Paris planned for Juliet to marry Paris without even consulting with Juliet first (II, ii).Yet in the play Juliet was a stronger character than Romeo and Shakespeare exposed the cruelties towards women. Women were treated poorly in Elizabethan times and it was unjust and cruel, and Shakespeare saw that it was wrong and tried to show this in Romeo and Juliet.
Woman in Elizabethan times where not taken as equal individuals. "Good, Peter, to hide her face, for her fan's the fairer face."(II, iv, 53) “The lusty hand of the clock is now pricking noon.” (II, iv, 57-58). Mercutio is totally disrespecting the nurse in front of many people in those two quotes. If that happened today Mercutio would have been either looked at badly or been hurt in some way. This tells us (the readers of the story) that in Elizabethan times all woman were suppose to do was do house work and not have a say in anything that happens to their life. Shakespeare is saying this to show that woman are just as equal as men and shouldn’t be disrespected at all.
Women were viewed differently based on their wealth and husband in Elizabethan times. Rich women were looked upon as better than lower class or middle class women who were disrespected and often times treated like garbage. All women were treated with some disrespect though. “Good Peter, to hide her face, for her fan’s the fairer face (II, iv, 77)” Exclaimed Mercutio when the lower class and homely nurse arrived. A rich woman would never be insulted with such remarks as those made by Mercutio. All through the play, all of the men in the play have conversations with each other about the lust that men incorporate into their love. This shows the disrespect through men believing that women are just objects. Both Rosaline and Juliet have been victims of lust. What Shakespeare was telling the audience is that women are not any worse than men and with the example of Juliet being the strong character in the play , lets us know that women can be stronger than men.
during the Elizabethan times, women were just there, and not taken seriously. the men had the larger/ more important role of the families and choices. one piece of textual evidence, from Romeo and Juliet, is: in Act II scene 4, while Romeo talks with Mercutio and Benvolio, Juliet's nurse comes in and Mercutio starts saying "good Peter, to hide her face, for her fan's that fairer face."(page 521) also, again in ACT III scene 2, Lady Capulet says "...Romeo slew Tybalt, Romeo must not live." on the same page, later after lady Capulet's wish, the Prince says "And for that offense immediately we do exile him hence."(page 535) these quotes show that back then, women were not taken seriously nor were their requests really granted. although women were the weaker being, Shakespeare made Juliet the stronger character, so he may have been trying to show that women were equal to men, but mainly probably to show how little women were thought of back then.
During the Elizabethan times, women were disrespected and looked down upon. Men thought of women as an object to lust over and take care of the children once they gave birth. This was a very unequal society and there was really not much the women could do about the situation. The inequality was much worse for women of the lower class, the nurse in the play is treated poorly by Romeo, Mercutio and Benvolio. "Good Peter, to hide her face, for her fan's the fairer face. (II.iii.77)" Men insulted and mocked women for their pleasure. Shakespeare wanted to show the inequality to the audience from the beginning."Younger than she are happy mothers made.(I.ii.12)" Women's role were very plain and decided by men, comparing that to modern days, women can choose their own role and are looked upon equally. Shakespeare wanted to tell the audience the wrongs of on unequal society, and there must be change brought to the matter.
During Elizabethan times, women were treated horribly compared to they are treated in this day and age. They got no respect, and we expected not to be any trouble. "Farewell, ancient lady, farewell! (II, iv, 91)." This quote by Mercutio shows how men felt about women, that they could say whatever they pleased without any consequences. Here, he treats the nurse with no respect whatsoever. Another great example is when Paris and Capulet are discussing the marriage of Capulet's daughter, Juliet. "Younger than she are happy mothers made (I, ii, 12)." This just shows how little control women had of their own lives. Here is Juliet's father arranging her marriage with her future husband, whom Juliet has never met. In this piece of literature by Shakespeare, he wanted the reader to understand that during Elizabethan times, society was very different in how they treated certain members. Shakespeare chose to do this so that the reader could experience, in a way, how women felt during those times.
Women were treated with a lack of respect in Verona, Italy during the Elizabethan time period. In act two, scene four, Romeo, Mercutio, and Benvolio harass the nurse. Mercutio says "God ye good-den, fair gentle woman." and Mercutio says "Farewell, ancient lady." These comments show that they don't care for the nurse and they don't care for women overall. Also, women could be looked at as ignorant people because Lady Capulet doesn't even know how old her daughter. This shows that Shakespeare is saying that women are not as smart as men. In "Romeo and Juliet", Women are looked down on and treated poorly.
-Dylan B
In Shakespearean times women were treated with very little respect. It did depend on their money and husband, but for the most part women were used much as toys for men. For example a widowed man would be expected to remarry right away whereas a widowed woman would never be allowed to remarry. When it came to interaction between men and woman many men would outright make fun of women just for a laugh. Mercutio makes my point when he says to the nurse: "Good, Peter, to hide her face, for her fan's the fairer face. (II, iv, 53)” sometimes in life people aren’t treated fairly and its up to the people who are to help them out.
Compared to the time that we live, women were treaded very poorly in Elizabethan Time, and they had different respect based upon class. For example, in Act II Scene IV, Mercutio, Benvolio, and Romeo are talking while the Nurse {Low class} and Peter arrive. Both Mercutio and Romeo insult the poor woman, "Good, Peter, to hide her face, for her fan's the fairer face."(II, IV, 53) “The lusty hand of the clock is now pricking noon.” (II, IV, 57-58) and exit the scene. Also no one tried to put a stop to the mockery, which shows it was the cruelty of all Verona to women and not just these select characters. The higher classed, such as Lady Capulet are treaded with more respect but are still lower than man {sighted from History teacher, Miss Arabaz}. Also another thing about how women got treated at that time is that they weren’t given much freedom. The one wish of women is to meet her “prince charming”, fall in love, and marry. But that’s not the case in Act I, Lord Capulet and Lady Capulet tried to force the idea of marrying Paris Juliet. In conclusion in this piece of literature, William Shakespeare wanted to give his audience the feelings that sometimes in life the roles of people can be like heartfelt labels.
-HS
In Elizabethan times, women were treated as second citizens. In Romeo and Juliet, many interactions involving female characters support this. The revealing is through the tone and expectations that were applied to the women. In act II scene IV, Benvolio, Mercutio, and Romeo interact with the the Nurse. As the Nurse's servant Peter goes to brandish a fan, Mercutio says, " Good Peter, to hide her face, for her fan's the fairer face..."-pg 521. This is meant to insult the nurse, and as a second class citizen she is expected not to defend herself or discipline Mercutio in any way, because she is a woman. Another example comes right before this in the play, where Mercutio is teasing Romeo saying, " Such a case as yours constrains a man to bow in the hams..." pg. 520. Mercutio is insulting Romeo by essentially calling him a woman, because woman are second class citizens and therefor an insult. By depicting this kind of treatment in Verona, Shakespeare was showing that sometimes in life, inequality plagues society.
Shakespeare wanted us to see that women were treated as prostitutes. If the woman was beautiful she was wanted. Such as, when Romeo wants Rosaline. " She hath, and in that sparing makes huge waste (I i,216-217)." All Romeo wants is that urge to be fulfilled. Therefore, Rosaline is a prime candidate to fulfill his desire. If the woman is ugly though she is unwanted. " Good Peter, to hide her face; for her fan's the fairer face (III iv, 103-104)." Mercutio insults the nurse by dismissing her. Since, the nurse is ugly shes not wanted and is treated with disrespect. Sometimes in life men are pigs, is what Shakespeare wanted us to understand.
Women in the Elizabethan Times were unworthy and beneath men in the human society. Usually women would be treated extremely harshly and weren’t seen as real people. Most of the time women would stay home to look after the children and great their husbands when they came home from work. One of the reasons why women were treated this way was because they were seen as over emotional and not strong as men were. Even Romeo and Mercutio had a time when they showed their insight on how they thought women stood in society. Romeo’s perspective on women was that he thought they were too emotional when he said, “"Thy beauty hath made me effeminate (II, I, 97)". Also when Mercutio was talking to the Nurse he said, "Good, Peter, to hide her face, for her fan's the fairer face. (II, IV, 53)”. In these two quotes it tells how men would think towards women, and how they had no manners toward them. Through the Story Shakespeare wanted the reader to know that women were below men weren’t treated the same as them in every day life. He did this by showing it through both Romeo and Mercutio, and also in the highest point of the story, where there is the most suspense.
Back during the Elizabethan era women were not cared for back then, they only were needed to watch the children while the men were at work. Back then women were also made fun of, insulted and weren't taken seriously. Some information that women were insulted a lot is in Act II Scene IV Romeo and his friends insulted the nurse very badly. Another way women did not have opinion back then either. So in Act I Juliet's father was trying to set up an arranged marriage with Paris and Paris was going to agree, but he said you have to win her heart first. These are some reasons why women were mistreated and insulted and didn't have any opinion back then.
- TK
Back during the Elizabethan era women were not cared for back then, they only were needed to watch the children while the men were at work. Back then women were also made fun of, insulted and weren't taken seriously. Some information that women were insulted a lot is in Act II Scene IV Romeo and his friends insulted the nurse very badly. Another way women did not have opinion back then either. So in Act I Juliet's father was trying to set up an arranged marriage with Paris and Paris was going to agree, but he said you have to win her heart first. These are some reasons why women were mistreated and insulted and didn't have any opinion back then.
- TK
Women were trated like objects for men to use however you like back in the times of Romeo and Juliet. In act 2 scene 4 Romeo and Mercutio both make fun of the nurse. This proves that women were not valued as much as men. Also women were not viewed as being smart. Men didn't care about their personality they only lusted over women. They only cared about how beautiful she was. Friar Lawrene says that in act 2 scene 4. In Romeo and Juliet it is clear that Jliet is the smarter and more inteligent character. Shakespeare wantedhe audience to know that women should be thought of as people nt objects.
During Elizabethan times, women were treated as if they were lesser than men. Back then, women stayed at home and took care of the house and the children while the man worked and earned a living to provide for his wife and his family. Women were also looked upon as sensitive, and emotional. Men often treated women with a lack of respect, a great example of this impudence is the way Mercutio views the nurse. "Good Peter, to hide her face; for her fan's the fairer face (II iv, 53)". This statement shows that Mercutio doesn’t care about the nurse’s thoughts or feelings. He believes that her emotions don’t matter because she is of no importance since she is a woman. “Farewell, ancient lady. Farewell, lady, lady, lady (II iv, 73)”. Mercutio is calling the nurse an old lady, which is a very rude and inconsiderate thing for a person to say. He demonstrates a lack of respect for the nurse because of the fact that she is a woman. Shakespeare wanted the reader to understand that sometimes in life; women are seen as in superior to men because society tells us that women are naturally weaker and more vulnerable than men.
In Elizabethan times, women were treated like objects to be collected. “Romeo and Juliet” is a perfect story to shed some light on this topic. Paris and Lord Capulet discuss Juliet as a fruit to be picked. “Let two summers wither in their pride, Ere we may think her ripe to be a bride (I, ii, 10-11)”. Friar Lawrence also believes that men are superior. “Pronounce this sentence then- Women may fall when there’s no strength in men (II, iii, 79-80)”. People didn’t think much about their ethics, but instead took their roles for granted. Shakespeare shows us that we should look at what we take for granted. If we look at what light we look at women in, it has not changed much in the past centuries. Though it may appear in different ways, the core values and roles are still the same.
During Elizabethan times, woman were treated with less respect than the men, and somtimes even with no respect at all. Men worked and put food on the table while the women stayed home and did house work and what they were told. Basically since the men made the money, the women should have done what they were told. For this reason women were treated poorly. An example of them being treated poorly is when Mercurtio says "Fairwell ancient lady. Lady, lady, lady"(II iv 73). Another example is when he says to the nurse "Good, Peter, to hide her face, for her fan's the fairer face"(II iv 53). As you can see from both of these quotes he is clearly tormenting the nurse and the nurse must just take it because back than women were the lesser.
-Kdog
In Elizabethan times women were given a fraction of the respect they receive today and were treated badly as well. They were generally considered useful only for their bodies and to give birth to children. They were also forced into marriage with little or no say in the matter which shows their lack of rights. Romeo and Juliet gives us perfect examples of these discriminations toward women. For example in the discussion of marriage for Juliet between Lord Capulet and Paris, Paris says, "Younger than she are happy mothers made (I, ii, 12)." This shows how young women who may have not been at all ready or willing, have had children because it was expected of them. Another example is when Romeo states "Thy beauty hath made me effeminate (III, i, 97)" He is saying that Juliet has made him feminine and therefore weak and timid. He says this as an insult to himself which shows how being women-like was thought of as a bad thing. Shakespeare wanted to show the discrimination of women in society and let the audience know women are equal to men by making Juliet the stronger character.
Women back then were treated as though they had to be like all the other women and that they were not as good as the men. "Younger than she are happy mothers made.(I, ii, 12)" This quote was said by Lady Capulet to the Nurse saying that girls younger the Juliet are mothers and the Juliet should be like them and get married. This shows that the women were pushed to be like everyone else. "Farewell, ancient lady, farewell! (II, iv, 91)." This quote was said by Mercutio, saying goodbye to the Nurse. Mercutio is being very rude to her and saying that she is really old, and is insulting her. This shows that the men didn't care what they said to the women, or how they felt about it the comments. Women were not treated very well back then, and that has change very much compared to nowadays.
In Elizabethan times, women were thought of almost as pieces of property. If a man wanted to marry a woman, she would have no say in the decision. Most women were expected to be married mothers by the age of thirteen. “Younger than she are happy mothers made.”(I, ii, 12) In this quote, Paris demonstrates the expectations that society had for women. Additionally, women were thought of as inferior to and weaker than men. Perhaps it was this belief that gave women so little control over their own lives. If women were weaker, they would be less respected in society, and therefore would not have nearly as much influence as men. “Tis true, and therefore women, being the weaker vessels, are ever thrust to the wall.”(I, i, 13) In this quote, Sampson is demonstrating the belief that women were weaker than men, and could be pushed around with no objection. By depicting the way women were treated at that time, Shakespeare may have been trying to show his audience one of many examples of inequality in Elizabethan society.
Women were treated as inferiors in Shakespeare’s time. Men made all the decisions regarding the lives and well being of women. Juliet’s parents even treat her like property. And when the nurse confronts Romeo and his friends she is ridiculed. “Good Peter, to hide her face, for her fan’s that Friars face” (page 521). The men do not respect women’s individual ideas. For example Paris does not go to Juliet to ask for her hand, instead he goes to Lord Capulet, who gives his daughter to Paris. “Younger than she are happy mothers made” (Act I scene ii). Girls were arranged to be married after knowing the man for only a short time or never meeting him at all. Shakespeare was trying to show that women were not listened to or respected in his time.
In the Elizabethan time period woman were treated badly compared to men. They were more looked down upon especially lower class women. In "Romeo and Juliet," by William Shakespeare, the nurse gets treated badly because she is a women and in the lower class. In Act two scene four line 91 Mercutio says to the nurse "Farewell, ancient lady, farewell." this is basically calling her an old lady. Compared to today especially old people and women get treated with more respect and have more rights. Shakespeare wanted readers to know how women were treated.
In the times of "Romeo and Juliet" women were treated like men's possessions. They had no rights and were not taken seriously unless they their husbands were important. Sometimes even if women's husbands had status they were still seen as unintelligent pretty to look at things. It is obvious that men thought that women were unintelligent because Paris didn't asks Juliet about marrying him, he just assumes that she will want to since he has money. "But now, my lord, what say you to my suit?"(Act I, Scene II, Line 6) Paris went to Capulet instead of Juliet to see what would happen about the marriage. Women were also not respected at the time this play was written. The Nurse comes to see Romeo and he makes fun of her even though she is trying to give him information about his marriage to Juliet, which he thinks is extremely important. Nurse asks for Romeo and he replies "I can tell you, but young Romeo will be older when you have found him than he was when you sought him."(Act II, Scene IV, Lines 83-84) Shakespeare wanted his audience or readers to know that even if you miss treated and thought of as stupid because of a stereotype, like women, that you can still make a difference and have an impact on society,like Juliet.
Women in Elizabethean times were not treated as equal individuals to men. One way Shakespeare told this was through the character Mercutio. "Good, Peter, to hide her face, for her fan's the fairer face"(ll,iv,77). When Mercutio says this, he is reffering to the nurses face and basically telling her she's ugly/isn't pretty. Women, especially in the lower class, who didn't have an education or were poor were treated like this all the time no matter what. Another way Shakespeare tells us this is also through the character Mercutio, when he says "Farewell, ancient lady, farewell(singing)lady, lady, lady"(ll,iv,91). This time Mercutio has said it in front of Benvolio, and romeo. This shows how women could be treated in the most horrbile or cruel way and they couldn't fight back or defend themselves. If this were today, people would ignore and not involve themselves with mercutio's behavior, because women have the same rights as men and thats how it should. Shakespeare could have possibly trying to shows this in Romeo and Juliet, but how women were treated in the Elizabethean times and how they are treated today is very different.
~ap
Back in Elizabthan times women were not treated as fairly or with as much respect as now a day. Mercutio says "Good Peter, to hide her face, for her fan's the fairer face." (II, iv, 77) and by this quote he is basically making fun of her. When the nurse says "And thou must stand by too, and suffer every knave to use me at his pleasure?" (II, iv, 98-99) she’s saying like protect me if anyone attacks me. This shows that she can’t really stand up for her self. Shakespeare wants the reader to understand that back then women were not treated equal to men and they were made fun of.
During the Elizabethan times women were treated very poorly. Men thought that they owned a woman if he was married to her and therefore treated her however he would wish to. The women were treated with much disrespect and those who were in a lower class were treated even worse, like the Nurse in "Romeo and Juliet". In Act Two, Scene Four, Line 77, "Good Peter, to hide her face, for her fan's the fairer face." This shows how rude Mercutio was to the Nurse when she was trying to send them a message about Romeo and Juliet's wedding. And women back then were to marry earlier and the husband was to choose what they did, as in make a family or not. This allows women of this century to be thankful and want to stand up for their rights and be sure that no man tells them what to do.
- Hannah
Women in Elizabethan times were not treated well and were not considered important. This is shown in the text a lot when the men talk to the women. In act II scene IV line 91 Mercutio says to the Nurse "Farewell, ancient lady, farewell", by him saying this it shows that men did not have respect to women, especially ones that were not wealthy. Women also were expected to only marry and have children, which is very different from how life is today. An example of this is in act I scene III lines 70- 72 Lady Capulet says to Juliet "Younger than you here in Verona, ladies of esteem, are made already mothers." This shows that women were expected to marry young and have children young, much different than it is today. Shakespeare wanted the reader to know that women were not treated with much respect.
~ED
Women in Elizabethan Times were treated with no respect,because of the lack of rights for women back then. In Act I Scene II of Roemo and Juliet, Capulet and Paris were deciding thing about Juliets marriage on their own without her opinion. This portrays how women back then can not decide who they want to marry with their opinion. Another textual evidence is from Act II Scene IV where Mercutio taunts the Nurse. This tells how women were treated without respect. What Shakespeare wants the audience to understand from the treatment of women in Elizabethan Times through the play is even though women lacked rights back then Juliet always had her opinions on what she wants to do unlike the many women who gave up on having their opinions because it was their fate to not be noticed.This shows how Juliet is a strong character in the play.
The role of women during Elizabethan times was to get married and have children. They did not have many more rights than that back then. As Lady Capulet says in Act I Scene 3, “Well, think of marriage now. Younger than you here in Verona, ladies of esteem, are made already mothers.” This means that women are expected to get married and have children at a very young age, which now would be considered too young. Also, the nurse says in Act I Scene 4, “Women grow by men.” She means that women need men to survive. In Elizabethan times, people had different views then we do today on what is most important in life and society, and Shakespeare is trying to show the reader what was expected to women in his time.
In Elizabethan times, women were treated more as "property" than real people. Society knows this because many women were put into arranged marriages as young as 13. Their job was to have kids, raise a family, and be a mother, even if they did not want to. During act I, it is revealed that Juliet's mother does not know how old Juliet is. Lady Capulet remarks to the nrse "Thou knowest my daughter's of a pretty age"(I, iii, 10). This shows that Juliet's mother considers her more "property" than an actual daughter. Another instance in which tis is shown is when Lord Capulet says to Paris "An she agree, within her scope of choice, lies my consent and fair according voice"(I, ii, 18-19). He'd rather have her marry someone she loves, but seems to want to get the issue resolved as soon as possible. He does not seem to care about his daughter the way fathers do today. This is Shakespere's message: sometimes in life, both genders are treated unfairly, but both experience the same thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
-Natalia
During Elizabethan times woman were not treated the same as men; they were property, powerless, and treated poorly. They were meant to be bartered with. In the first act we see Juliet ready to be put into an arranged marriage before her parents say that she is not yet "ripe to be a bride (I,ii,10)" which means that they are merely waiting for her to be old enough for them to basically trade her away. Women were also powerless; they could not have high jobs, or even act in plays in Elizabethan times, they were to be working in the house and not to play an important role in any other subject. Lastly Women are treated poorly. In the play Mercercio calls the nurse ugly by saying "Good Peter, to hide her face (II,iv,50)." They did not get the respect that they deserved and eventually ended up receiving as time passed.
-sean c
During Elizabethan times, women played a secondary role in society as wives and mothers, and were often not treated with respect by men. A woman's place was in the home. Paris asks Capulet for permission to marry Juliet. "But now my lord, what say you to my suit?" (I,ii,line 6) Here the men are discussing Juliet's future, before even speaking to Juliet, thereby making her secondary in her own future. Lady Capulet herself wanted Juliet to marry Paris even though she did not love him. Men could insult women without any regard as demonstrated when Mercutio says ,
"Good Peter, to hide her face, for her fan's the fairer face." (II,iv,line 77) Treating women like this was acceptable behavior. Shakespeare wanted the reader to understand how men had all the power and control in society and that women were subservient to them. They could be used or abused at the whim of men.
-Chris
In these times women were treated badly on a daily basis. It shows in many ways starting with how mercurtio treated the nurse saying many rude coments to her just because she is a woman of a lower class saying things like "good peter , to hide her face , for her fan is fairer than her face (77)" This also shows when Romeo calls him self a woman when he tried to break up the fight but failed. By calling himself a woman in this scene he is calling him self emotional, weak, and foolish for if he didn't try to break up the fight who knows what the outcome could have been.
Young women were treated with less respect then older women in Elizabethan times. If you were an older woman, you were given more choices than a young woman like Juliet, who is required to do what her parents want her to. Her parents decide many things for her, and she gets very little say in their choices. When Paris and Lord Capulet are talking, Paris is attempting to persuade Capulet to let him marry his daughter, Juliet, regardless of her youth and whether she wants Paris for a husband. “Younger than she are happy mothers made.” (I. ii. 12). Juliet’s mother, Lady Capulet, doesn’t treat Juliet any better. She wishes for her to marry Paris even though Juliet is skeptical that she will like him. Shakespeare shows in the play that sometimes in life younger women of his time often don’t get any choices, and are treated like possessions by their parents.
In Shakespearean times, women were treated unfairly compared to men, and Shakespeare shows us that in a few ways. “Farwell ancient lady, farewell…” Mercutio sings (in Act 2 scene 4 line 91) as he leaves the Nurse. Women in Shakespeare’s time were treated unfairly; they were thought to be inferior to men. Men had more power in Shakespearean times, and it was thought that they were stronger. The Nurse was treated especially badly because she was of the lower class, (servant) and she was a woman. When the character Sampson says, “Draw, if you be men.” (Act 1 scene 1 line 49) He is saying that women are not as strong as men, and they don’t fight. Shakespeare shows us that men say rude things about women right out loud. Juliet has no choices, they have all been made for her, she has to marry and her parents have to choose whom she is going to marry, even if marriage is something she doesn’t want. By adding the role of women in his works, Shakespeare is showing how rude it is to be mean to servant women, how bad it is to say that women are not strong at all, and also, how young girls had decisions made for them and how that’s not right.
megan h =]
Women were treated as mementos, objects to be shown off or valued. They were often disrespected or treated without dignity. One example of this is when Mercurtio, Benvolio, and Romeo are making fun of the Nurse. This is also because she is a servant, but some of their remarks are aimed at her being a woman. This occurs in Act II Scene Four. Also they were not allowed to marry according to their will. Marriages were often arranged to secure wealth and heritage. An example of this is in Act I, when Lord Capulet and Paris are trying to arrange for Paris to marry Juliet.
Women were treated like objects of men, and were not seen as important citizens.One example or reason from "Romeo and Juiliet" is in Act 2 scene IV, when Mercutio and Benvolio and Romeo are making fun of Juiet's Nurse. Even though they made fun of her lack of education, it still showed that they didn't have much respect for any women. Also, in Act 1 scene II, Paris went to Lord Capulet, Juliet's father, to ask him if he may marry her. Again, although he could just be being respectful and askingf permission, he didnt even talk to Juliet before, kinda side stepping the actual love aspect of marriage, and that shows he didnt actual care much for her needs, or whether she liked him. Sheakepear might be saying that in Elizabethan England, women were not respected or seen as smart citizens which they were, cause Juliet turned out to be more of a decision maker and planner than Romeo, the male lead.
Women were treated like objects of men, and were not seen as important citizens.One example or reason from "Romeo and Juiliet" is in Act 2 scene IV, when Mercutio and Benvolio and Romeo are making fun of Juiet's Nurse. Even though they made fun of her lack of education, it still showed that they didn't have much respect for any women. Also, in Act 1 scene II, Paris went to Lord Capulet, Juliet's father, to ask him if he may marry her. Again, although he could just be being respectful and askingf permission, he didnt even talk to Juliet before, kinda side stepping the actual love aspect of marriage, and that shows he didnt actual care much for her needs, or whether she liked him. Sheakepear might be saying that in Elizabethan England, women were not respected or seen as smart citizens which they were, cause Juliet turned out to be more of a decision maker and planner than Romeo, the male lead.
-NDDB
In Elizabethan times women were stripped of their dignity, were considered to be no better than a broom and were never taken seriosly. Their role in society was to marry, have children, and stay in the home, cook, clean, and take care of their husband and children. Also, they had little to no rights, so they were not able to choose their husband, or embrace the outside world and get a real job. Men were considered the breadwinner of every family. "Farewell, ancient lady, farewell, lady, lady, lady"(II.iv.91) Mercutio especially is an extremely sexist person and is rude for casting his feelings outward to the poor Nurse. "Good Peter, to hide her face, for her fan's the fairer face."(II.iv.77) Shakespeare was trying to convey that women had the potential to be just as useful and superior as men and that in life you can be overlooked of your abilities and characteristics.
Women were treated very badly, we know this because of the way they are talked to, and talked about by men. For example in Act II scene iv Mercutio Romeo and Benvolio make fun of the nurse without shame. Also throughout the play cowards are referred to as women or called a woman as an insult. In act III scene i Romeo says "O sweet Juliet,Thy beauty hath made me effeminate". He is saying that Juliet's beauty has made him weak like a woman, this shows how he views woman as weak. Through the treatment of woman in "Romeo an Juliet" Shakespeare wanted the reader to understand that in life different people and things will be treated differently based on how they are viewed by the society.
SR
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