Toxic Masculinity in Romeo and Juliet
Dominance
Males need to act tough and “manly” as they are the dominant sex. This idea has been promoted for thousands of years; yet, it has caused nothing but trouble. This message is accentuated in William Shakespeare’s well-known tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. Throughout the entire play, many characters clash due to toxic masculinity; therefore, Romeo and Juliet conveys that society’s preconceived ideas about gender stereotypes create ineluctable conflict.
From the beginning of the play, the traditional beliefs of male pride and masculinity cause violence and tension between the Montagues and Capulets. An argument commences between the men from the opposing households when Abrham asks Sampson, “Do you bite your thumb at us sir?” (Shakespeare 1.1.40). Soon after, the fiery Tybalt escalates the fight when he exclaims that “[he] hates the word [peace] / as [he] hates hell, all montagues and [Benvolio]” (Shakespeare 1.1.63). A simple question leads to a fight which shows the lengths that men will go to defend their pride. In essence, men would rather fight than be perceived as cowards, which causes disturbance in the community and affects everyone. Later on, Mercutio harasses Juliet’s nurse and sexualizes her when he says “no hare, sir; unless a hare, sir, in a lenten pie, that is / something stale and hoar [wh]ere it be spent” (Shakespeare 2.4.116). This causes the nurse to burst out in anger and she threatens to “take [Mercutio] down…and if [she] cannot, / [she’ll] find those that shall” (Shakespeare 2.4.132). Mercutio’s offensive demeanor makes the nurse question Romeo’s intentions and morals. This concerns the nurse and raises many suspicions, engendering further tension between Montagues and Capulets. Consequently, stereotyping women as sexual objects creates distrust and hatred. This feud between the opposing families displays that society’s concept of masculinity is just a show of aggression and supremacy, which leads to nothing but problems.
In addition to the toxic masculinity, societal patriarchy brings even more disagreement between family members and other kinsmen. When Juliet disobeys her father, Capulet threatens to let her “hang, beg, starve, die in the streets” (Shakespeare 3.5.193). He continues to berate her and throws insults like “you green-sickness carrion!, you baggage! / You tallow face!” (Shakespeare 3.5.156–157). As the superior male of the family, his daughter’s disobedience is a blow to his pride, and this explains his explosive response towards Juliet. This moment reveals Capulet’s true authoritarian demeanor and the consequences of opposing societal patriarchy. Capulet’s chauvinistic attitude shocks Juliet, and weakens his relationship with her, creating yet another conflict. Another example of toxic masculinity is when Paris confronts Romeo in the Capulet vault and declares, “I do defy thy conjuration / And apprehend thee for a felon here” (Shakespeare 5.3.68–69). Romeo impulsively responds with “Wilt thou provoke me? Then have at thee, boy!” (Shakespeare 5.3.70). It doesn’t take too much to provoke Romeo, which shows how easily men are willing to battle each other and kill to get their way. Society teaches men to fight and normalizes their aggression, which is the reason for many of the deaths that occur throughout this play. These harmful ideologies that men in Verona seem to have, showcases that the establishment of male dominance can drive a wedge between important relationships and result in dire consequences.
Ultimately, addressing the toxicity of male pride and gender stereotypes can reduce conflict and create a kind, accepting society. It is difficult to change patriarchal thinking, as it has been taught for many centuries. However, change can still be made if the community as a whole keeps an open mind and comes together to support one another.