This is an essay I wrote for English class in which I impersonated Juliet from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and wrote a letter to my father on my own behalf.
August 3, 1392
Dearest Father,
I sincerely hope that we can resolve all conflicts brought upon by our disagreement. I was not trying to be difficult, and since I think paper a calmer way to state my case, I am writing you this letter to explain my apprehension to enter the world of wedlock.
I am not yet 14, and have yet to truly enter the world of adulthood, yet as my birthday approaches nearer, I have gained new insight into the world around me. With the question of wedlock brought to my attention, I have realized that I have often taken childhood for granted. I still need the assistance of a nurse to manage my own small affairs! How will I ever learn to manage a house of my own, much less children, when I am still a child myself? I still daydream and look outside my window to ponder my thoughts, problems, and feelings. Hardly will I get this peace of mind and quiet as the wife of the house. I am too young, too caught up in my world to truly be responsible for the lives of others. When faced with problems, in the past, I have looked to the Nurse or Mother for advice, but who will I go to when I have a manor of my own? Certainly I cannot confide in Count Paris. He has not yet earned my affections or trust for he hasn't even come to woo me. How can I confide in someone I do not know?
Furthermore, it isn't the time for festive occasions. I am in great despair and grief over the death of my dear cousin and friend, Tybalt. Oh, I would like to put my hands on him, that Romeo! I am not in the mood for a wedding. Is it not a sin to celebrate while in mourning? In respect for Tybalt and our tragic loss, I cannot help but think that a wedding at a time such as this questions the sanctity of both his death and our grief. One should not enjoy oneself so soon after a loved one's death. As the dear Lord suggests, we should pay proper respect to the dead.
As you can see, I am quite uncomfortable with the idea of death. The death of my Coz horrified me beyond belief. It was so unexpected, so mortifying an experience that I have not yet recovered. Thus, if I faced death myself, I would be suffering from despair just as now. When a girl marries, she is expected by her spouse to bear his children. In becoming pregnant, one always suffers the risk that one that one might die in the process of delivering your child, particularly at a young age. Thus, since I am still in the tender years of my youth, I am not ready to bear children, and therefore not ready to wed.
As my own person, I would like to have some sort of control over where my life is headed. In the chaos of recent events, I have felt an extreme lack of control over what happened to me, and I can't stand it! Sometimes I wish I had some sort of say in the circumstances that have affected me so gravely. Thus, since the proposition of marriage will so greatly affect me, I wish I could be consulted on the matter. I have my own passions, ideas, and desires. I think that these deserve respect, and, if you consulted me on my wedlock, you would see that I am truly not ready to marry.
Love, your daughter,
Juliet Capulet
August 3, 1392
Dearest Father,
I sincerely hope that we can resolve all conflicts brought upon by our disagreement. I was not trying to be difficult, and since I think paper a calmer way to state my case, I am writing you this letter to explain my apprehension to enter the world of wedlock.
I am not yet 14, and have yet to truly enter the world of adulthood, yet as my birthday approaches nearer, I have gained new insight into the world around me. With the question of wedlock brought to my attention, I have realized that I have often taken childhood for granted. I still need the assistance of a nurse to manage my own small affairs! How will I ever learn to manage a house of my own, much less children, when I am still a child myself? I still daydream and look outside my window to ponder my thoughts, problems, and feelings. Hardly will I get this peace of mind and quiet as the wife of the house. I am too young, too caught up in my world to truly be responsible for the lives of others. When faced with problems, in the past, I have looked to the Nurse or Mother for advice, but who will I go to when I have a manor of my own? Certainly I cannot confide in Count Paris. He has not yet earned my affections or trust for he hasn't even come to woo me. How can I confide in someone I do not know?
Furthermore, it isn't the time for festive occasions. I am in great despair and grief over the death of my dear cousin and friend, Tybalt. Oh, I would like to put my hands on him, that Romeo! I am not in the mood for a wedding. Is it not a sin to celebrate while in mourning? In respect for Tybalt and our tragic loss, I cannot help but think that a wedding at a time such as this questions the sanctity of both his death and our grief. One should not enjoy oneself so soon after a loved one's death. As the dear Lord suggests, we should pay proper respect to the dead.
As you can see, I am quite uncomfortable with the idea of death. The death of my Coz horrified me beyond belief. It was so unexpected, so mortifying an experience that I have not yet recovered. Thus, if I faced death myself, I would be suffering from despair just as now. When a girl marries, she is expected by her spouse to bear his children. In becoming pregnant, one always suffers the risk that one that one might die in the process of delivering your child, particularly at a young age. Thus, since I am still in the tender years of my youth, I am not ready to bear children, and therefore not ready to wed.
As my own person, I would like to have some sort of control over where my life is headed. In the chaos of recent events, I have felt an extreme lack of control over what happened to me, and I can't stand it! Sometimes I wish I had some sort of say in the circumstances that have affected me so gravely. Thus, since the proposition of marriage will so greatly affect me, I wish I could be consulted on the matter. I have my own passions, ideas, and desires. I think that these deserve respect, and, if you consulted me on my wedlock, you would see that I am truly not ready to marry.
Love, your daughter,
Juliet Capulet
