Romeo and Juliet Group

Topic: Juliet is too young!

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1

I think Juliet is too young to get involved with Romeo, even for her time period. She is immature. What do you think?

2

I agree, and so does Juliet's father, at least at first.  She is only fourteen; while this was the absolute minimum age for consent in the Renaissance, Lord Capulet wants to wait another two years.  Paris, however argues that many women Juliet's age make happy mothers.  Capulet replies that those who do marry so young tend to become "marr'd," unhappy as wives and as mothers. 

Capulet is right, though he is not aware enough to stop Juliet from marrying (just not to the mate he has hand-picked.)  Juliet proves she is too young for marriage...just look at what happens!

3

Good point, Jamie, the ultimate proof is what happens to Juliet. Although I suppose it could be argued that had she followed her family's advice and married Paris, none of that would've happened.

From a historical perspective, Juliet was not too young at all. In fact, according to this source, in 1875 (centuries after the time in which the historical Juliet lived or when the play was written), England raised the age of consent to 13 from 12! Then, a few years later it was raised again, to 16. 

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