Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Romeo and Juliet- Capulet's letter to Juliet

Following the last last post where I wrote a letter from Juliet’s mother point of view.  I wanted to write a poem from Juliet’s father point of view because I would like to compare both of the parent’s point of views not just from one.

Dear my dearest Juliet,
            You’re my dearest and only surviving daughter and heir. You’re always going to be my girl but today Paris came by to ask for your hand in marriage. I didn’t know what to do. I told him to wait 2 more summers than you’ll be a better wife. I want you to have more time to find yourself and enjoy being a kid (teenager). But at the same time it’s almost time to let you go. I’ve seen you grown these 13 years and it’s time for you to find a fitting husband. I think that Paris is a wonderful suitor he’s counties man, related to the prince and wealthy. So you’ll be safe. I really wish I could just ask your mother but your mom thinks you should marry now. I would also want to ask you, but I’ve known you’ve always followed our instructions and I don’t want you to marry too soon just because of us. What shall I do my daughter Juliet? Should I let you be wed or let you wait 2 more summers?
                                                                                    <3 Capulet
CAPULET:
And too soon marr'd are those so early made. 
The earth hath swallow'd all my hopes but she, 
She is the hopeful lady of my earth: 
But woo her, gentle Paris, get her heart, 
My will to her consent is but a part; 
An she agree, within her scope of choice 
Lies my consent and fair according voice. 
This night I hold an old accustom'd feast, 
Whereto I have invited many a guest, 
Such as I love; and you, among the store, 
One more, most welcome, makes my number more. 
At my poor house look to behold this night 
Earth-treading stars that make dark heaven light: 
Such comfort as do lusty young men feel 
When well-apparell'd April on the heel 
Of limping winter treads, even such delight 
Among fresh female buds shall you this night 
Inherit at my house; hear all, all see, 
And like her most whose merit most shall be: 
Which on more view, of many mine being one 
May stand in number, though in reckoning none, 
Come, go with me…” (1:2, 13-34)
            I wrote this letter from Capulet’s view from reading what he says in the book I could tell that he was confused and didn’t know what to do. He wanted to ask for advice, but couldn’t. I found that he told Paris to wait 2 more summers where Juliet can grow up more and become a better wife for him since she’s still young now. I also had the feeling when reading his part that he didn’t want to let Juliet go since she’s his only daughter, child and heir to the Capulets.
(Update) But then in Act 3 Capulet’s view changed. He now wants Juliet to marry Paris in 3 days. He also cursed her out. When she argued back, saying that she doesn’t want to marry Paris. He said that if she doesn't marry Paris. He’ll consider no longer his daughter (which is a lot to consider that she’s his only heir left) and put her out on the streets. This scene was shocking to me because I always thought up to this that Capulet would be the easier and more caring parent to Juliet and Lady Capulet would be the tougher and harsher one. But I was proven wrong.

1 comment:

  1. Well, I think it may not necessarily just be that Capulet is the harsher one of the two by nature. I think it's more out of grief over Tybalt's death that he is made this way. I have no doubt he still wants what is best for Juliet, but now he is sure this is what is best for her.

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