The Nurse is the maid and nurse of Juliet. She serves as a close confidante to her throughout the story, knowing Juliet better than her mother does.
Personality[]
Nurse is the mother figure to juliet although she often makes sexual jokes about juliet in the play
Appearance[]
The Nurse is depicted as a middle-aged woman with a round face and a cheerful disposition. She is often dressed in a traditional nurse's attire, wearing a white apron and cap.
Background[]
The Nurse has been in the service of the Capulet family for many years, having cared for Juliet since she was a baby. She is deeply devoted to the Capulets and has witnessed the family's feuds and conflicts firsthand.
Synopsis[]
Throughout the play, the Nurse plays a pivotal role in facilitating the secret romance between Romeo and Juliet. She acts as a go-between for the young lovers, delivering messages and providing guidance. The Nurse is instrumental in arranging their secret marriage and becomes an ally in their struggle to be together.
However, in Act III, when Juliet is forced to marry Paris against her will, the Nurse advises Juliet to comply with her parents' wishes, which deeply hurts Juliet. This leads Juliet to seek the help of Friar Laurence, ultimately resulting in the tragic events that unfold.
Quotes[]
- "O, she is lame! Love's heralds should be thoughts, which ten times faster glide than the sun's beams."
- "A bump as big as a young cockerel's stone!"
- "Thou wast the prettiest babe that e'er I nursed."
- “Thou knowest my daughter’s of a pretty age.” Whereas Lady Capulet simply means that Juliet is at a marriageable age, the Nurse answers earnestly, saying she knows Juliet’s exact age: “Faith, I can tell her age unto an hour” (act 1 scene 3).
Relationships[]
Juliet[]
The Nurse has a deep and loving relationship with Juliet. She has cared for Juliet since she was an infant and has become a surrogate mother to her. The Nurse is fiercely protective of Juliet's well-being and is willing to go to great lengths to support her, even if it means risking her own safety.
Capulet Family[]
The Nurse is loyal to the Capulet family and serves as a trusted servant. She has witnessed the family's conflicts and is well aware of the longstanding feud with the Montagues.
Gallery[]
Interpretations[]
The character of the Nurse has been portrayed in various ways throughout different adaptations of Romeo and Juliet. Some portrayals emphasize her comedic nature, while others delve into her emotional depth and the complexities of her relationship with Juliet.