During the Renaissance, a wealthy woman was expected to
marry young, obey her husband and be loyal to him, and bear children, especially heirs.
Like a young woman of her time, Juliet has a father who arranges the marriage to a young
man of family and wealth. While other girls do not marry young because they must work
for their families, fourteen is the normal age at which wealthy women are married. And,
the father, like Lord Capulet, makes arrangements with a suitable young man, one who has
a reputable name, position, and property. A dowry is paid to the new husband when the
young couple are married.
Also, typically, Juliet is
cared for by a wet nurse just as other young wealthy women of her time are. The Nurse
is probably a poor relative who serves in the Capulet home for her room and board; her
affection for Juliet seems to indicate that she is most likely related to the girl for
whom she is so fond and proud.
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