AQA English Lit. GCSE Romeo & Juliet MODEL ANSWER Discuss the relationship between parents/children

This is a 7-page MODEL ANSWER written by an experienced Examiner and tried and tested over the years with many classes.

The Handout is structured as follows:

Juliet’s relationship with her mother.
Juliet’s relationship with her father, Lord Capulet.

The Nurse:

The Nurse acts as a surrogate mother to Juliet, sharing a close and affectionate bond with her.

Romeo and the Montagues:

Romeo’s relationship with his mother, Lady Montague, is less prominent but significant.

The essay discusses the generational differences in values, expectations, and communication styles between parents and children. The older generation prioritizes social status and family honor, while the younger generation seeks personal fulfillment and autonomy.

The Role of Fate and Parental Influence:

The essay examines how the feud between the Capulets and Montagues and the rigid enforcement of social norms shape the fate of Romeo and Juliet.

Conclusion:

The essay concludes by emphasizing the conditional nature of parental love, the struggles of the younger generation to assert their autonomy, and the destructive potential of misunderstanding and rigid social norms.