Lord Capulet (Character Analysis)

4/26/2017 0 Comments

In Shakespeares tragedy, Romeo & Juliet, there are many dynamic characters. The
character I find the most interesting, is Lord Capulet because he is dominant,
hypocritical, and has a snappy rage. The characteristics lead to the lesson of not
holding onto a grudge.

Its obvious when Lord Capulet enters the play, that he is commanding, controlling,
and prevailing. In other words, dominant, The Lord Capulet will let everyone know
his and importance. One would consider him as the alpha of the Capulet household,
the one who runs the show. Capulet shows his dominancy in act one, scene five
when conversing with Tybalt about not going after Romeo. Capulet states "Am I the
master here, or you? Go to. Youll not endure him!" (Shakespeare, 64) This
characteristic connects with not holding grudges because since Capulet is held
among the highest in the family, he could overpower with dominancy and could
definitely end the feud between the two households.

Next, one of the characteristics Capulet would have is being hypocritical. In Act one,
scene two Paris asks Capulet for Juliets hand in marriage, Lord Capulet rejects by
stating "Too soon married are those so early made." (Shakespeare, 28) He basically
is rejecting because she was too young and would need Juliets consent to the
marriage. Later in act three, scene four Lord Capulet agrees to the marriage in
hopes that it would cure her grief over her cousins death. This show how he failed
his beliefs and morals. Though it is not good to be hypocritical, sometimes behaving
in a way that suggests one has higher standards or more wise beliefs is one step
close to be resentment. When Capulet changed his belief due to what was said he
immediately changed due to a grudge.

Lastly, after Capulet showing his true colors, his snappy rage was no shock. In act
three, scene five Lord Capulet grew furious at Juliet. He said some very intense
things, such as "Hang thee, young baggage! Disobedient wretch! ... My fingers itch!
and that we have a curse in having her." (Shakespeare, 200) Lord Capulet having
a snappy rage links with not holding grudges because he wasnt willing to accept
her decision and with that, was willing to give up their father-daughter relationship.
He also stated "Thursday is near. Lay hand on heart, advise. An you be mine, Ill
give you to my friend. And you be not, beg, starve, die in the streets, for, by my
soul, Ill never acknowledge thee." (Shakespeare, 202) That statement shows how
Capulet is a pro at holding grudges.

In conclusion, the character of my choice, Capulet, is a very interesting character.

Capulet indulges the characteristics of being dominant, hypocritical, and having a
snappy rage. These characteristics helps me as reader link how it connects with the
theme of not holding grudges.

Shakespeare, William, No Fear Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet. New York: Spark
Publishing, 2003.