Editor's Choice
What are the names of Juliet's father, Romeo's parents, and Juliet's mother in Romeo and Juliet?
Quick answer:
In Romeo and Juliet, Juliet's father is known as Lord Capulet, and her mother as Lady Capulet. Romeo's parents are referred to as Lord Montague and Lady Montague. Shakespeare does not provide their first names, reflecting the custom of the time to address upper-class individuals by their titles and surnames.
We do not know the first name of Juliet's father in Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet. We know him as Lord Capulet, and Capulet is his surname. It is also often used to refer to the whole Capulet family.
Juliet is a Capulet, whereas Romeo, whom she falls in love with at first sight, is a Montague (he belongs to the family of Montague). The play's setting is Verona, Italy. These two families hate one another; there is an ongoing feud between them.
Just as Juliet's parents are referred to as Lord Capulet and Lady Capulet, Romeo's parents are referred to as Lord Montague and Lady Montague.
It is not strange that their first names are not given in the play. During this time period (Romeo and Juliet was written around 1594), people of the upper class were not usually referred to by their first name. Out of respect, it was customary to refer to people by their surnames with their status or position stated first. Romeo and Juliet are referred to by first name probably because they are very young and don't have a specific status yet. Juliet is only 13 years old in the story.
Shakespeare does not reveal the first names of either the Montague or Capulet parents. They are simply known as "Lord and Lady ______________." Their position in the story is simply as parental figures; it is their grudge and their rules that limit the teens and help to set in motion the tragic events. Because they do not have a dynamic role as characters, it is not important to identify them as individuals.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.