Juliet’s Significance in Romeo and Juliet: A Literary Analysis

In the Bard's Romeo and Juliet, the character of Juliet is often debated regarding her significance. While Romeo is the central figure, Juliet plays a crucial role in driving the plot and showcasing Shakespeare's themes of love, fate, and tragedy. This essay explores why Juliet is the most significant character in the play, highlighting key moments where her actions impact the entire story.

The Central Theme of Love and Tragedy

Shakespeare’s exploration of love and its tragic consequences in Romeo and Juliet is deeply tied to Juliet’s character. Her actions and decisions shape the course of the play, making her pivotal to the narrative. Romeo's declarations of love are encapsulated in his famous lines: 'Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?' (Act II, Scene II, lines 1-2), emphasizing his love for a woman belonging to his enemy’s house. Similarly, Juliet's words like 'Ah, she doth teach the torches to burn bright' (Act I, Scene V, lines 44-45) reflect the intensity of her love for Romeo.

Key Moments of Influence

1. Act I, Scene V: The Meeting Juliet’s first encounter with Romeo sets in motion the entire narrative. Her declarations of love and the balcony scene are crucial in establishing the love between the two characters, which is central to the play's themes.

2. Act III, Scene II: The Suicide Pact Juliet's decision to take the potion given by the Friar dramatically alters the plot. Her seemingly suicide-driven actions lead to a cascade of tragic events, underscoring her significant role in the story's tragic arc.

3. Act V, Scene III: The Climax Juliet’s death, as understood by Romeo, seals the tragic end of the play. Her demise is the ultimate act of sacrifice, driving Romeo to commit suicide and thereby completing the dramatic narrative of pure and tragic love.

Protagonist of the Play

Considering the definition of a protagonist as the central figure who faces and overcomes the struggle or problem, we can argue that Juliet is the true protagonist. She is the one who initiates the major plot points and who faces the ultimate challenge: to overcome the societal and familial obstacles preventing her from being with Romeo. In this sense, Juliet's journey is one of love, sacrifice, and tragic loss, making her the central character in the play.

Conclusion

While both Romeo and Juliet are central figures in Romeo and Juliet, Juliet’s influence cannot be overstated. She drives the plot forward with her decisions and actions, making her the most significant character. Her character arc is an exploration of the power of love, the inevitability of tragedy, and the profound impact of personal choices on the course of a narrative.

Her love for Romeo, her courage in taking the potion, and her ultimate sacrifice all contribute to making Juliet the epitome of Shakespeare’s tragic heroines, and a pivotal figure in the play's enduring legacy.

For further exploration, consider reading Macbeth and Lear to understand the intricacies of Shakespearean writing and the complex roles his characters play in his works. Happy reading!

References: Shakespeare, W. (1597). Romeo and Juliet. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare. Johnson, A. (2014). Understanding Shakespeare. Macmillan Education UK.