Why did Shakespeare make Juliet so young when compared to Arthur Brooke's and Matteo Bandello's original version of Romeo and Juliet?
He made both Romeo and Juliet teen-agers. To decide why is mere speculation. Perhaps young lovers are more impatient and more passionate than older people? What do YOU think?
Here are some other people's ideas.
http://www.bing.com/search?q=why+did+shakespeare+make+juliet+so+young%3F&form=EDGTCT&qs=PF&cvid=2b3bc6c5a07a41489c56741ecc056e44&cc=US&setlang=en-US
Shakespeare's decision to portray Juliet as a young character in his play "Romeo and Juliet" compared to Arthur Brooke's and Matteo Bandello's original versions can be attributed to a few factors. To understand why, let's first discuss the sources Shakespeare drew inspiration from.
The story of Romeo and Juliet predates Shakespeare's play and can be traced back to different literary sources. One of the main sources was Arthur Brooke's narrative poem "The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet" published in 1562, which in turn was based on an earlier Italian story by Matteo Bandello. In both of these earlier versions, Juliet is depicted as being around 16 years old.
Now, when it comes to Shakespeare's adaptation, there are a few reasons why he may have made Juliet even younger.
Firstly, Shakespeare often wrote his female characters as young and inexperienced. This was a common convention of his time, where the portrayal of young female characters served to emphasize their vulnerability, innocence, and the tragedy of their situations. By making Juliet younger, he magnifies the tragic impact of her doomed love affair with Romeo.
Secondly, Shakespeare wanted to create a contrast between the impetuous, passionate nature of young love and the adults in the play, particularly the feuding families. By making Juliet younger, Shakespeare heightens the dramatic tension between the impulsive actions of the young lovers and the caution and reason exhibited by the older generation.
Lastly, Shakespeare may have been influenced by the societal norms of the time. In the Elizabethan era, girls were often married off at a young age. By portraying Juliet as a 13-year-old, Shakespeare highlights the societal expectations and pressures placed upon young women regarding marriage and family.
In conclusion, Shakespeare's decision to make Juliet younger in comparison to the earlier versions of the story allows him to explore themes of youth, innocence, impetuousness, and societal pressures. It also increases the dramatic tension between the young lovers and the older generation, ultimately contributing to the tragic nature of the play.