Shakespeare’s Feminists, Juliet’s Nurse

Not only was Shakespeare a man writing women characters, he was a man writing women that were played by boys. So how was he able to capture the pure strength of a woman? I asked him for a quote and he refused to comment at this time. So instead I am going to use this moment to hold up the women of Shakespeare and allow them to teach us how to be our strongest selves.

Juliet’s Nurse

I want to start with one of my favorite characters, Juliet’s Nurse. Let’s skip over her endearing monologue about breastfeeding Juliet and the bond they share from that experience, (how did Shakespeare know about that?!?) Let’s skip to the main plot and her role in pushing it forward.

In the world of Romeo and Juliet, it is their culture that Juliet’s father choose her husband. This choice is based on what is best for Juliet’s father. And though Juliet’s Nurse is all for the sensible match, her allegiance to Juliet overrules her obedience to her master and her place in the world as a woman and a servant.

After learning of Juliet’s true love the Nurse helps Juliet and Romeo marry and enjoy their wedding night. This is the moment that tells me how strong Juliet’s Nurse is. This is not a simply woman led by the thought of true love, or by her love for Juliet. Yes that is part of it, but this is a woman who is taking a very big chance and leading the child she loves as her own down a dangerous path. So why is she doing all of this?

Because the feud between the Capulets and the Montagues is ancient, meaning it was active throughout her entire life. To end a fight with true love, a marriage and perhaps even a child born to both families would be wonderful. And Romeo and Juliet’s love for one and other could do all of this. It took amazing strength for Juliet’s Nurse to pursue this path. A peaceful end to a bloody war, a path that cold mean her life, or the ultimate price, the life of the child she loved as her own.

It breaks my heart when she is the one to find Juliet dead in her bed, not knowing Juliet’s plan with Friar Laurence. She knows in that moment that she is paying the ultimate price for peace. That is a lamentable tragedy, but in the end peace was made. And she played a very important part in making that come to fruition.