#lordcapulet

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As Capulet’s anger escalates, he become increasingly more threatening. Throughout the scene their a clear undercurrent of violence bubbling just beneath the surface. Capulet threatens Juliet exclaiming “my fingers itch.” This metaphor highlights the fury and rage within Capulet as it implies that he is ready to strike Juliet. This creates a sense an unease within the audience as they worry for Juliet’s safety. Capulet continues to threaten Juliet with the line, “I will drag thee on a hurdle thither”. Shakespeare uses the violent verb ‘drag’ to highlight that Juliet has no choice and Capulet is prepared hurt her to make her do what he wants. The Elizabethan audience would recognise this as a threat - a ‘hurdle’ was used to drag traitors through the street. This implies Capulet feels betrayed by Juliet.  This is reinforced when Capulet exclaims: “And you be mine, I give you to my friends”. Shakespeare uses the possessive pronoun ‘mine’ to emphasise Capulet’s power and control over Juliet as the patriarch of the family. Furthermore, the imperative verb ‘give’ suggests Juliet is an object he can just give away. For modern audience this would be a disturbing image.    

In his first introduction Capulet is presented as a caring father. The use of the metaphor, “my child is yet a stranger in the world”, implies that Capulet believes that Juliet is too young and inexperienced to marry. In the Elizabethan era as women from noble families were expected to marry at a much younger age, an idea that modern audiences may find uncomfortable. Furthermore, Paris is a wealthy and influential gentleman and therefore a good match for Juliet. Wealthy parents such Capulet would often arrange the marriages for their children that were socially advantageous. By denying Paris’ request he could jeopardise the match as Paris may not want to wait. Capulet also suggests that Juliet should have a say in her choice in her husband:  “My will to her consent is but a part”. This is further reinforced by Capulet’s suggestion that Paris needs to “woo” Juliet, implying that Juliet should like or even love Paris if she is to marry him. Again going against the traditional patriarchal society where men and fathers controlled women and their daughters’ lives. It is clear that Juliet is important to Capulet and he cares for her and her happiness. Capulet states that Juliet is the “hopeful lady of my earth”. This suggests that Juliet is the centre of his world. It is also implied that Capulet has lost other children: “The earth hath swallowed all my hopes but she”. The personification of the earth consuming his hopes, hope symbolising his children and heirs, creates sympathy for Capulet and may explain his protection of her.