Juliet's attitude towards marriage in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" reflects her character's complexity and depth. Initially, she exhibits a rather pragmatic view of marriage. When she is first introduced, Juliet is not particularly eager to marry; she expresses this when she tells her mother that she hasn’t given much thought to the idea of marriage and is willing to consider Paris as a suitor. This indicates a level of obedience to her parents and traditional societal expectations, suggesting she is a dutiful daughter.
However, as the play progresses and she falls deeply in love with Romeo, her perspective shifts dramatically. Her attitude becomes passionate and rebellious. She eagerly embraces love and views marriage as a profound expression of commitment and individuality rather than a mere social contract. This transformation highlights her romantic idealism and her desire for personal agency, showcasing her willingness to defy societal norms and familial expectations.
Juliet's willingness to risk everything for her love for Romeo — marrying him in secret and eventually choosing to die rather than live without him — illustrates her profound depth of emotion and determination. Her character embodies the struggle between individual desire and societal constraints, ultimately revealing her as a strong-willed and courageous young woman. This duality in her attitude towards marriage indicates that while she initially conforms to societal expectations, her love for Romeo empowers her to challenge those constraints, illustrating her growth throughout the play.
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