Professor Conner
English 105A “Coming of Age”
B Hour
Juliet’s Transformation to Woman
Joseph Bryant’s statement is troubling in only one way.The point regarding Juliet’s arrogance seems a little excessive.Juliet’s character is a reserved and obedient individual until the midpoint of the play at which point she suddenly becomes a more in-control and capable character.Perhaps this is merely one interpretation, but her dialogues – especially those with her parents – make her character appear to be that of a much more submissive person.In fact, even her lack of speech could be interpreted in that way.For example, in Act I, Scene 3 – the first scene in which we encounter Juliet – the vast majority of the lines spoken are about her.She says relatively few of the words, making her appear to be aloof.This is a characteristic that is often found in individuals who feel that they have very little to do with their future. This, of course, is but one interpretation of an extremely complex individual. I can't quite follow you here.
Juliet’s character can be said to be the most courageous of all.She is the first to throw away her name, “I’ll no longer be a Capulet” (II.ii.36.)This action proves that the feud is beneath her.She has, by that moment, left those familial arguments behind, and has “come of age.”She understands that a petty feud – the source of which no one can be sure – is not important in the grand scheme of things.There are several other signs that point to Juliet’s position as the most courageous.When she realizes how alone she is after denying her father’s wish her to marry Paris she realizes that, “If all else fail, myself have the power to die” (III.v.244.) (long, awkward sentence)Suicide requires a great deal of courage, killing oneself is, by no stretch of the imagination, an easy thing to do.
Juliet loses her innocence and in the process falls victim to what many have called “the cruel world.”This transformation cannot be found in a single moment in the play, but instead credit must be given to the entire plot.No one has the ability to go through all that she went through without being forced to grow up.She has no choice but to become wiser than her years.She is the character who attempts to take control of the situation when she approaches Friar Lawrence for help in creating a plan.The failure of that plan has nothing to do with her efforts, and everything to do with fate.
In short, Juliet is transformed.The transformation, however, is not that of an arrogant girl into a woman, but of a girl accepting of her fate becoming a woman who tries desperately to shuck it off.Unfortunately for the wise and capable Juliet, there is nothing she can do.Her actions and final outcome have been fated in the stars.A rather scattered response. You seem to object to the idea of J's "arrogance," but your response doesn't give us much insight into J's maturation, which you treat only in general terms. The focus on her "courage" is promising. 7.0