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Extent the Nurse is to Blame in Romeo and Juliet Essay

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In Romeo and Juliet, to what extent is the Nurse to blame for the tragedy? In Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, the Nurse, by her thoughtless support of the affair between the lovers and fickle counsel, is partly to blame for the tragedy. However, it is not one factor alone that brings about the death of Romeo and Juliet, but a combination of significant actions and underlying forces. In spite of this, is certain that the Nurse played a serious role in encouraging the lovers? relationship to blossom. Instead of advising Juliet on the dangers of a love that is ?too rash, too unadvis?d, to sudden?, she continues to place Romeo upon a pedestal, proclaiming his ?face be better than any man?s, his leg excels all men?s, his [body parts] are …show more content…

As she was a mother-figure and confidante to Juliet, immense trust and guidance was expected of her. She however, destroyed this bond by referring to Juliet?s only love as a ?dishclout? and advising her that she ?thinks it best you married the county?, for he ?excels your first?. This then, results in Juliet alienating herself from her adviser-?thou and my bosom henceforth shall be twain?- and in due course killing herself. On the other hand, it must be recognised that other characters apart from the Nurse, played a significant role in the misfortune. The flaws in Romeo and Juliet?s character- their hastiness, contributed greatly to their demise. Juliet?s extreme willingness to marry the day after she meets Romeo was much too unadvised and sudden, evidence of her hastiness. Romeo?s tendency to ?stand on sudden haste? is evident from the fact that he kills Tybalt in a sudden fit of rage and rushes to Juliet?s tomb, prepared for death, without first confirming her death. Friar Lawrence, too, was a character whose actions proved to be fatal. He did not heed his own advice of ?wisely and slow, they stumble that run fast?, but proceeded to marry and be supportive of the couple, knowing full well that ?violent delights have violent ends?. Nevertheless, a powerful force uncontrolled by the Nurse that no doubt played a crucial role in the plot was fate. From the very

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