The Nurse as a Character
Quotes are in red.
Notations of where each quote is from are in purple.
Links to context are in blue.
The Nurse Basics:
Acts as a comic relief during the play as she is of a lower class and
quite rude.
Raised Juliet from birth, fondly attached to Juliet and becomes her
confidante.
Loyal to Juliet even when she knows her being with Romeo defies
the wishes of the family. She does, however, betray Juliet.
Acts as a catalyst as she helps Romeo and Juliet get married and
this moves the action of the play forward quickly.
Nurse mentions Juliet’s age and reminds the audience that she is
not yet 14 years old. A direct contrast to Lady Capulet.
Acts as a mother figure to Juliet and has lost her own daughter,
Susan.
Believes more in the physical side of love and this is shown
throughout the play.
Act 2 Scene 4
Juliet sends the Nurse to meet with Romeo and find out the plans
for their wedding.
When the Nurse tries to find Romeo she meets Mercutio instead
who flirts and mocks her. The Nurse is insulted but also enjoys
Mercutio’s innuendos.
When she finally gets Romeo alone, the Nurse talks quickly, barely
allowing Romeo to speak.
She expresses concern that Romeo might ”lead her into a fool’s
paradise”.( Act 2 Scene 4) She tries to make sure he is not tricking
her “if you should deal double with her” (Act 2 Scene 4)
Act 2 Scene 5
Her bawdy references to the sexual aspect of love contrast with
idealistic love of Romeo and Juliet as described by themselves.
The Nurse doesn’t share Juliet’s idea of love - love to the Nurse is
physical.
When the Nurse brings Juliet news of Romeo’s wedding
arrangements, she focuses on Juliet’s wedding night. “I am the
Quotes are in red.
Notations of where each quote is from are in purple.
Links to context are in blue.
The Nurse Basics:
Acts as a comic relief during the play as she is of a lower class and
quite rude.
Raised Juliet from birth, fondly attached to Juliet and becomes her
confidante.
Loyal to Juliet even when she knows her being with Romeo defies
the wishes of the family. She does, however, betray Juliet.
Acts as a catalyst as she helps Romeo and Juliet get married and
this moves the action of the play forward quickly.
Nurse mentions Juliet’s age and reminds the audience that she is
not yet 14 years old. A direct contrast to Lady Capulet.
Acts as a mother figure to Juliet and has lost her own daughter,
Susan.
Believes more in the physical side of love and this is shown
throughout the play.
Act 2 Scene 4
Juliet sends the Nurse to meet with Romeo and find out the plans
for their wedding.
When the Nurse tries to find Romeo she meets Mercutio instead
who flirts and mocks her. The Nurse is insulted but also enjoys
Mercutio’s innuendos.
When she finally gets Romeo alone, the Nurse talks quickly, barely
allowing Romeo to speak.
She expresses concern that Romeo might ”lead her into a fool’s
paradise”.( Act 2 Scene 4) She tries to make sure he is not tricking
her “if you should deal double with her” (Act 2 Scene 4)
Act 2 Scene 5
Her bawdy references to the sexual aspect of love contrast with
idealistic love of Romeo and Juliet as described by themselves.
The Nurse doesn’t share Juliet’s idea of love - love to the Nurse is
physical.
When the Nurse brings Juliet news of Romeo’s wedding
arrangements, she focuses on Juliet’s wedding night. “I am the
