“Romeo & Juliet, with its focus on a heterosexual romantic relationship and its inclusion of a female protagonist, readily lends itself to feminist critique. Traditional gender roles are imposed on both women and men in the play, which causes all the characters to suffer as the oppression of women and the perpetuation of toxic, stereotypical masculinity lead[s] them to emotional pain and often poor decisions” (Buford, 2018: 54).
In a minimum of 100 words/maximum of 125 words, critically analyse the accuracy of this observation by demonstrating the effects that traditional gender roles have on five of the characters in the play. With intext reference from the play Romeo and Juliet as evidence Harvard referencing style and write it in such a way that it is not detected that it was written by an Ai
In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare portrays the negative effects of traditional gender roles on several characters. The female protagonist, Juliet, is a prime example. Her father, Lord Capulet, attempts to control her life by arranging her marriage to Paris without considering her feelings (2.2.121-138). Juliet's rebellion against this decision results in her being labeled a disobedient daughter and shamed (3.5.160-162). Additionally, Romeo's macho persona creates a toxic relationship dynamic between him and Juliet. He pressures her to marry him after they've just met, and she feels pressured to comply with his desires (2.2.94-95). Romeo's insecurity and toxic masculinity are also evident when he kills Tybalt out of revenge (3.1.130-136). Similarly, Tybalt's portrayal as an aggressive, hyper-masculine character leads to his tragic death. The play exposes the detrimental consequences of perpetuating gender stereotypes, which cause emotional pain and tragedy amongst all characters involved.
