In the world of Romeo and Juliet, marriage for love, rather than money or social position, is a radical and dangerous choice—particularly for kids from wealthy and influential families. (Poor people could pretty much marry whoever they wanted, since they didn’t have much to gain—or lose.)
Table of Contents
How is marriage presented in Romeo and Juliet?
In the world of Romeo and Juliet, marriage for love, rather than money or social position, is a radical and dangerous choice—particularly for kids from wealthy and influential families. (Poor people could pretty much marry whoever they wanted, since they didn’t have much to gain—or lose.)
How were arranged marriages common in the time of Romeo and Juliet?
In the middle ages, it was quite common for royal and arisocratic families (such as the fictional Capulets in Romeo and Juliet) to enter into arranged marriages. This meant that the parents selected a suitable person to marry their daughter or son.
How did marriage play out during the Elizabethan era?
Arrangements for Elizabethan weddings would have been with the local church. Weddings were always a religious ceremony, conducted by a minister. The religions varied but the legal process prior to the wedding was always the same. There were no Registry Office marriages or marriages conducted by a Justice of the Peace.
What is the main differences between marriage now and marriage during Shakespeare’s time?
Marrying someone during the Elizabethan Era meant that a person would have almost no say in their marriage. In modern times, however, people are allowed to pick out their suitor, but even in this time and age, there are some limitations of who a person can marry.
What was marrying age in the 1700s?
2. They didn’t marry young. At the end of the 18th century, the average age of first marriage was 28 years old for men and 26 years old for women.
Why do Romeo and Juliet decide to get married?
After the party Romeo climbs over the Capulet’s garden wall in order to spend more time with Juliet. She appears on her balcony and they declare their love for each other. Knowing that their families are sworn enemies, they decide to get married in secret.
Why do Romeo and Juliet want to get married so hastily?
He should not have agreed to marry Romeo and Juliet so quickly. Romeo wanted to marry Juliet after knowing her for less than twenty-four hours, which reveals his reckless personality. However, he marries them in hope that it will end the continuous feuding between the two families.
Who arranged the marriage of Romeo and Juliet?
Lord Capulet
The scene starts with Lady Capulet telling Juliet that Lord Capulet has arranged her marriage to Paris in four days’ time.
Who was Juliet supposed to marry?
Paris
Lord Capulet tells Juliet she must marry a man called Paris, not knowing she is already married. Friar Laurence gives Juliet a potion that will make her appear dead so she does not have to marry again. He sends Romeo a note to explain the plan and Juliet takes the potion.