Journal #6 - Villian or Complex Human Being?

Act 4

     I think that Shakespeare presents the Capulets as complex human beings, not as villians. Earlier in the play, Capulet is very merry and tolerant because in Act 1, Tybalt tells Lord Capulet of Romeo's presence at the party, but Capulet just brushes it off and tells Tybalt to leave Romeo alone. In Act 1, Scene 5, lines 63-66, Capulet tells Tybalt,"Content thee, gentle coz, let him alone. 'A bears him like a portly gentleman, And, to say truth, Verona brags of him To be a virtuous and well-governed youth." This shows that Capulet can be merry and tolerant. However, later in the play, Capulet is very stern and intolerant because, in Act 3, when Juliet refuses to marry Paris, Capulet calls Juliet an ungrateful child and says he will disown Juliet if she does not  marry Paris. In Act 3, Scene 5, lines 154-157, Capulet says,"To go with Paris to Saint Peter's Church, Or I will thee on a hurdle thither. Out, you green-sickness carrion! out, you baggage! You tallow face!" This shows that Capulet can be stern and intolerant. This is why I think Shakespeare presents the Capulets as complex human beings.