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).
From this observation name how did traditional gender roles affect Romeo
Traditional gender roles affected Romeo by forcing him to conform to stereotypical masculinity, which meant that he was expected to be aggressive, impulsive, and to prioritize his own desires and honor above all else. This led Romeo to make poor decisions throughout the play, such as killing Tybalt in a fit of rage and then fleeing the scene, which ultimately led to his own tragic death. Additionally, the pressure to embody traditional gender roles caused Romeo to feel emotionally isolated and unable to express vulnerability or true emotion, which further contributed to his tragic fate.
Traditional gender roles affected Romeo in several ways:
1. Emotional Expression: Traditional gender roles impose stereotypes of toxic masculinity, which restrict the ways in which men are allowed to express their emotions. Romeo, as a male character, is heavily influenced by these gender expectations. He feels pressured to conform to the ideals of being strong, tough, and emotionless. Consequently, he struggles to openly express his emotions and vulnerabilities, leading to internal conflicts and emotional pain.
2. Impulsive Behaviors: Traditional gender roles often place an emphasis on male aggression and assertiveness. Romeo, driven by societal expectations of masculinity, tends to act impulsively without carefully considering the consequences of his actions. For example, his impulsive decision to engage in a duel with Tybalt ultimately leads to disastrous outcomes and further tragic events.
3. Romantic Idealization: Traditional gender roles in Romeo and Juliet portray men as the pursuers and women as passive recipients of affection. Romeo embodies this idealization of love and romance, adhering to the belief that he must win over Juliet through passionate, grand gestures. His intense infatuation and overly idealized perception of love blind him to potential consequences, leading him to make impulsive decisions and participate in rash actions.
4. Male Entitlement: Traditional gender roles also foster a sense of male entitlement and dominance in relationships. Romeo, influenced by these societal norms, perceives Juliet as an object of desire and possession, rather than an independent and equal partner. This skewed power dynamic contributes to their rushed marriage and eventual tragic fate, as Romeo's expectations and behavior are shaped by societal notions of male entitlement.