Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is a whirlwind romance, fueled by passion and tragically cut short. While Juliet's feelings for Romeo are clear, the Nurse's perspective, often overlooked, offers a fascinating counterpoint. This exploration delves into the Nurse's true feelings towards Romeo, analyzing her words and actions to reveal a nuanced opinion far from simple approval. We'll unpack her complex relationship with Juliet and explore what she really thought about the impetuous young Montague.
What did the Nurse think of Romeo initially?
The Nurse's initial reaction to Romeo is colored by her deep loyalty and protectiveness towards Juliet. She's primarily concerned with Juliet's happiness and sees Romeo as a potential suitor. However, her initial assessments are based on surface-level observations and societal expectations. She notes his handsome appearance and seemingly noble bearing, but lacks the insight to fully grasp his character. Her initial approval stems more from a pragmatic perspective—Romeo is a wealthy and eligible bachelor—than genuine affection for him as a person.
Did the Nurse approve of Romeo and Juliet's relationship?
While the Nurse initially facilitates the relationship, her approval is far from unwavering. Her support is driven by a desire to see Juliet happily married, and initially, Romeo seems to fulfill that criteria. However, as the play progresses and Romeo’s rash actions and the escalating feud endanger Juliet, the Nurse's support begins to waver. Her eventual betrayal of Juliet by advising her to marry Paris highlights a shift in her opinion. This seemingly contradictory behavior stems from a complex mix of loyalty, fear, and perhaps a sense of responsibility that outweighs her judgment of Romeo's character.
How did the Nurse’s opinion of Romeo change over the course of the play?
The Nurse's opinion of Romeo undergoes a subtle yet significant shift throughout the play. Early on, she sees him as a suitable match for Juliet, prioritizing societal advantages and a happy marriage. However, as the play unfolds and the consequences of their secret marriage become evident, particularly with Tybalt's death and Romeo's banishment, her view begins to change. The gravity of the situation, combined with the potential repercussions for Juliet, causes her to question the wisdom of the union. Her final advice to Juliet to marry Paris demonstrates a complete loss of faith in Romeo's ability to secure Juliet's future happiness and safety.
What were the Nurse's concerns about Romeo?
The Nurse's concerns about Romeo are primarily practical and rooted in the volatile circumstances surrounding their relationship. She worries about the feud between the Montagues and Capulets, recognizing the inherent risks and potential dangers it presents. The impulsive nature of Romeo's actions, leading to Tybalt's death and his subsequent banishment, further intensifies her apprehension. Her concerns ultimately outweigh her initial approval, leading her to ultimately betray Juliet's trust in a desperate attempt to ensure her safety and well-being, even if it means betraying Juliet's love.
Was the Nurse ever truly in favor of Romeo?
The question of whether the Nurse was ever truly "in favor" of Romeo is complex. Her early support was more about facilitating Juliet's happiness and aligning with societal expectations than genuine admiration for Romeo himself. Her actions are consistently driven by pragmatic considerations, prioritizing Juliet’s welfare above her personal opinion of Romeo. While she initially approves of him as a suitor, her later actions reveal a growing doubt and a prioritization of practical concerns that ultimately supersede any genuine fondness for Romeo as a person. Ultimately, her actions suggest that she never truly favored Romeo, but rather prioritized Juliet's perceived best interests, a misguided prioritization that ultimately hurts Juliet deeply.
