Grade 9 Romeo and Juliet Essay (OCR GCSE English Literature)

AO1

12

• Sustain one main argument throughout

• Include an introduction and conclusion

• Refer to the whole text

• Only use references and quotations that serve as evidence to back up your argument

AO2

14

• Analyse Shakespeare’s language, structure and form

• Analyse Shakespeare’s choices across the whole text

• Make sure all your analysis is related to your overall argument

AO3

8

• Discuss how social and cultural factors have an impact on the meaning of Romeo and Juliet

• Explore gender, class or cultural expectations when appropriate

• Ensure all contextual analysis is linked to main points of your argument

AO4

6

• Ensure your writing is clear

• Separate your argument into clear paragraphs

• Check your essay for spelling or grammar errors at the end

To what extent is Shakespeare’s audience encouraged to see the Nurse as more than simply a comic character? Explore at least two moments from the play to support your ideas. 

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While Shakespeare uses the Nurse’s character to provide light relief and juxtapose the play’s darker scenes, her role as Juliet’s ally and confidante is presented as significant in the tragedy (AO1). Initially, her characterisation as loyal surrogate mother for Juliet examines aspects of upper-class Elizabethan family life; through their relationship Shakespeare illustrates both Juliet’s lack of autonomy, and the Nurse’s limited power. The characterisation of the Nurse as a typically bawdy fool, though, serves to reveal darker truths as the play progresses and by the climax of the play, the Nurse’s limitations manifest in cynicism (AO1). Her compliance with the status quo is presented as a catalyst for the tragedy as it leaves Juliet dangerously isolated.

Initially, the Nurse is introduced as Juliet’s doting maid or nanny, and Shakespeare illustrates their intimate relationship (AO1). She enters stage looking for Juliet, affectionately calling her a “lamb” and a “ladybird” (AO1). In contrast to Lady Capulet, the Nurse knows Juliet well, can “tell her age unto an hour”, and expresses pride at being Juliet’s wet-nurse. This scene portrays social norms in Elizabethan upper-class families, which, arguably, Shakespeare challenges through his portrayal of Lady Capulet as a cold and unsympathetic character in contrast to the Nurse. Shakespeare’s presentation of the Nurse as a lower-class, comedic character is typical of his tragedies (AO3). Characters mock her for her age and lack of sophistication, highlighting her powerless position in society. Her appearance on stage inevitably signals a moment to laugh at her vulgar language and innuendo as she shares private stories about breast-feeding and sex. That audiences laugh at her lack of sophistication raises further questions about class.

Throughout the rising action, Shakespeare conveys Juliet’s dependance on the Nurse by illustrating her supportive role in Juliet’s solitary life. The Nurse remains steadfastly complicit in the secret relationship, in defiance of Lord and Lady Capulet. Juliet’s reliance on the Nurse as her main source of information is particularly illustrated in Act 2 Scene 4 when she stalls giving Juliet news. While the scene is comedic, it is an example of how the Nurse juxtaposes the innocent nature of the romance against its dangerous circumstances (AO1). Furthermore, Shakespeare presents the Nurse as fiercely protective as a surrogate parent. He illustrates her strong will when he presents her standing up to socially-superior men, such as when she takes offence at Mercutio’s taunts and warns Romeo not to lead Juliet into a “fool’s paradise”. Particularly noticeable is her reaction when Juliet is threatened. In contrast to Lady Capulet’s submission, the Nurse intervenes, blaming Lord Capulet for his irrational anger (AO2). Therefore, it can be argued that the predominant function of her character in the play’s first two acts is to raise questions about family conflict that comes as a result of patriarchal attitudes to marriage.

Nevertheless, Shakespeare characterises the Nurse as cynical, which can be considered a significant factor in the tragedy (AO3). Her bitter, world-weary attitude is illustrated in Act 3 when she informs Juliet that Romeo has killed Tybalt. Anaphora in her dialogue, “There’s no trust/No faith, no honesty in men”, suggests extreme pessimism. Her emotive statement conveys her frustrations with Romeo and the world generally. This aspect of her character is similar to that of a typical Shakespearean fool. While she is mocked by many of the characters, she highlights the futility of Romeo and Juliet’s love. A pivotal moment in the play comes when Juliet asks the Nurse for advice, desperate to avoid marriage with Paris. The Nurse’s tone is resigned as she tells Juliet to be “happy in this second match”. Juliet’s sense of betrayal is conveyed in her sardonic reply, “Well, thou hast comforted me marvellous much” (AO1). Ultimately, the Nurse’s betrayal isolates Juliet and leads her into a state of suicidal desperation.

Shakespeare’s presentation of the Nurse raises several significant themes. Rather than a purely comic character, she is another adult who fails Juliet in her bid to find autonomy (AO1). At the same time, it can be argued that her restricted role in the forbidden relationship offers a critique on Elizabethan society. Her pragmatic yet cynical characterisation presents her as a product of an unjust society (AO1).