ibdp english a oral. simplify the language to that of a formal conversation. do not change any quotes and keep the overall meaning the same. keep the word count the same, further analyze if necessary.

The extract from “Romeo and Juliet” provides a vivid portrayal of the enduring global issue of forced marriages for women, shedding light on its real-life implications. This practice persists in various forms across cultures, exemplifying the ongoing struggle for women’s agency in their own marital choices.

Lord Capulet’s forceful insistence on Juliet’s marriage to Paris vividly illustrates paternal dominance and a disregard for consent, seen in his authoritative imperatives (“get thee to church o’ Thursday,” “Speak not, reply not, do not answer me!”), and dismissive rhetoric (“And why, my lady wisdom? Hold your tongue,”). The language Shakespeare uses reflects the patriarchal dominance inherent in forced marriages, demonstrating how familial and societal pressures often extinguish a woman’s autonomy in choosing her life partner, paralleling the real-life predicaments some women face.
Juliet’s plea for understanding and patience (“Hear me with patience but to speak a word”) is compellingly juxtaposed with her father’s scathing rebuke, layered with metaphors and epithets that strip Juliet of her humanity (“young baggage,” “disobedient wretch”). This sharp contrast communicates the imbalance of power, echoing the experiences of many women in real-life forced marriages who are similarly dismissed or silenced when they express dissent.
The emotional turmoil Juliet faces, confronted with the specter of a marriage devoid of love, is a mirror to the emotional strain many women endure in similar real-life situations. This conflict is made more profound by dramatic irony—awareness among the audience of Juliet’s secret marriage to Romeo—severely compounding her inner conflict between familial duty and her authentic emotions. Shakespeare’s language choice, with Lord Capulet’s use of short, accusatory clauses and abrupt pauses (“My fingers itch.” “Wife, we scarce thought us blest”), effectively mirrors his escalating frustration and lends urgency to the scene, deepening the audience’s understanding of the catastrophic effects of such societal approaches to marriage.
Juliet’s palpable lack of agency is underscored by the repetition of linguistic control, a refrain of silencing with commands not to speak or reply, emblematic of the broader global issue of women’s limited control over significant life decisions, particularly in environments where forced marriages are sanctioned. Through Shakespeare’s use of vivid expression and cadence, the audience is immersed in the psychological reality of the female plight, enhancing the narrative’s resonance with global issues.
The depiction of forced marriages, as evinced through emotional and verbal abuse in the play, signifies the ongoing psychological tolls they exert on women. Lord Capulet’s objectifying imagery, which likens Juliet to a possession (“God had lent us but this only child”) and an investment gone awry (“But now I see this one is one too much”), serves as a stark reminder of the inherent issues pertaining to such cultural practices, affecting the well-being and agency of women globally.
In conclusion, Shakespeare’s adept usage of literary devices such as imperatives, metaphors, dramatic irony, and imagery in the extract from “Romeo and Juliet” enhances the emotional and thematic depth of the narrative. It serves as an expressive reminder of the ongoing global issue of forced marriages for women, accentuating the argument for continued advocacy for women’s autonomy and agency in making pivotal life choices. Narratives like Juliet’s remain poignant as they echo the experiences of women who navigate the delicate balance between familial expectations and personal autonomy, adding a timeless dimension to the call for societal reform.