ENGL1514 – 2023
Response Paper 2: Romeo and Juliet (20 MARKS)
Instructions:
• Response papers should consist of students’ reflections on a chosen text or texts.
• These reflections should be presented as nuanced critical analyses of the text(s) under discussion.
• Your response paper should indicate to your instructor that you are a careful reader who can engage critically with a text and can craft a convincing argument of your own.
• Ultimately, however, your response paper should be organized around a central argument/thesis statement that you can support by providing evidence from the text in question to substantiate your observations. DO NOT consult external sources.
• Your response paper should follow the structure of an academic essay. Do not use bullet points.
• Use a 12 Font (Arial or Times New Roman) and use a 1.5.line spacing.
• Keep in mind that you are submitting via an assignment drop box, which not only checks for general plagiarism, but also for similarities in student papers. PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR OWN WORK.
• Complete the Declaration of originality form before you submit.
TOPICS:
In a typed response paper, answer the following three questions:
1. Provide a critical analysis (minimum 100 words/maximum 125 words) that disagrees with the following observation: ‘Many critics of Romeo and Juliet have insisted upon the view that this play is a tragedy of fate and that the beautiful lovers of Verona are overwhelmed entirely by tragic forces moving outside of and about them.’ (Cain, 1974: 163). Your answer should provide clear evidence from the text that supports your stance that Romeo and Juliet are not blameless victims.
5 Marks
2. Critically analyse (minimum 200 words/maximum 250 words) the following speeches made by Juliet and Romeo and explain why and how these young lovers want to change their social identity. You answer should contain the following: a synopsis, written in your own words, of the speeches below; a clear explication of why Romeo and Juliet are willing to forsake their identities; and, lastly, whether or not you agree with their decision:
Juliet
O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?
Deny thy father and refuse thy name;
Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love,
And I'll no longer be a Capulet.
Romeo
[Aside] Shall I hear more, or shall I speak at this?
Juliet
'Tis but thy name that is my enemy;
Thou art thyself, though not a Montague.
What's Montague? It is nor hand, nor foot,
Nor arm, nor face, nor any other part
Belonging to a man. O, be some other name!
What's in a name? That which we call a rose,
By any other word would smell as sweet.
So Romeo would — were he not Romeo called —
Retain that dear perfection which he owes
Without that title. Romeo, doff thy name,
And for that name, which is no part of thee,
Take all myself.
Romeo
[Aloud] I take thee at thy word.
Call me but love, and I'll be new baptized;
Henceforth I never will be Romeo.
10 marks
3. ‘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 them to emotional pain and often poor decisions’ (Buford, 2018: 54). Critically analyse (minimum 100 words/maximum 125 words) the accuracy of this observation by demonstrating the effects that traditional gender roles have on 5 of the characters in the play.
5 x 2 = 10 marks ÷ 2 = 5 marks
TOTAL MARKS: 20
1. The view that Romeo and Juliet are merely blameless victims of tragic fate is flawed. Shakespeare's play is not solely determined by fate, as the characters make their own choices that contribute to their tragic end. For example, the feud between the Montagues and Capulets is inherited, but Romeo chooses to attend the Capulet ball despite knowing the risks. Similarly, Juliet chooses to marry Romeo in secret and comes up with a plan to fake her own death, which ultimately leads to their tragic end. The play acknowledges the power of fate, but also highlights the role of personal choice and agency in shaping one's destiny. Therefore, it is inaccurate to view Romeo and Juliet solely as victims of fate.
2. In the speeches made by Juliet and Romeo, they both express their desire to transcend the societal boundaries that divide them and be together as equals. Juliet implores Romeo to deny his family name and embrace a new identity so that they can be together without social constraints. Romeo, in turn, agrees to take on a new identity and reject his former self to be with Juliet. Their love is characterized by a desire to break free from the social norms that oppress them and limit their choices. While their decision is understandable given their deep love for each other, it ultimately leads to their tragic end. While their desire to reject societal expectations is admirable, the reality of their society proves too great an obstacle for them to overcome.
3. The traditional gender roles in Romeo and Juliet have significant effects on the characters. For example, the women in the play are expected to be obedient daughters and marry according to their fathers' wishes, which causes Juliet to suffer as she is forced to choose between duty to her family and her love for Romeo. Similarly, the men in the play are expected to be aggressive and dominant, which leads to Romeo's impulsive and violent behavior resulting in his exile. These traditional gender roles perpetuate toxic masculinity and create a society in which love and emotions are seen as weaknesses. The effects of these gender roles can be seen in the pain and suffering experienced by the characters throughout the play.
reference the information you have just provided
Sorry, as an AI language model, I don't have access to any outside sources or the context in which this response paper is being written. However, the information provided in this response paper is based solely on the text of Romeo and Juliet and the writer's interpretation of it.
Response Paper 2: Romeo and Juliet
Question 1:
Many critics argue that Romeo and Juliet are victims of fate and are overwhelmed by tragic forces beyond their control. However, it can be argued that Romeo and Juliet are not blameless victims. The text provides evidence to support the view that they play an active role in their own downfall. For instance, Juliet willingly engages in a secret relationship with Romeo and takes part in their hasty marriage, defying her family's wishes. Romeo, on the other hand, acts impulsively and kills Tybalt in a fit of rage, leading to his own banishment. These actions demonstrate that Romeo and Juliet make choices that significantly contribute to their tragic fate. Therefore, it is not accurate to view them solely as victims of external forces.
Question 2:
In Juliet's iconic speech, she expresses her frustration about the social barriers that prevent her from being with Romeo. She pleads for Romeo to reject his name and identity as a Montague, believing that their love can transcend the confines of their feuding families. Romeo, in turn, agrees to take on a new identity and forsake his name for the sake of their love. This indicates that both Romeo and Juliet are willing to sacrifice their social identities to be together. I agree with their decision because their love for each other overrides societal expectations and norms. They are willing to challenge the constraints imposed by their families and society to pursue their happiness.
Question 3:
The observation that Romeo and Juliet lends itself to feminist critique due to traditional gender roles is accurate. The play demonstrates the oppressive nature of gender expectations, which cause emotional pain and poor decisions. For instance, Juliet is trapped in a patriarchal society that expects her to obey her father and marry according to his wishes. This leads her to make desperate choices, such as faking her own death, to escape a forced marriage. The male characters, including Romeo and Tybalt, display toxic masculinity in their fierce displays of aggression, leading to violence and tragedy. These gender roles restrict the characters' agency and contribute to their suffering. Therefore, it is clear that traditional gender roles have a profound impact on the characters in the play.