Jennah Batts “Males, Masculinity, and Patriarchy in Romeo and Juliet”:

"Masculinity does not exist except in contrast with Femininity"

Masculinity, during Shakespeare's time, had two different and opposing sides.  Men could either choose to be violent on behalf of their father and family name or choose self-control, autonomy, and probably a woman to love.  Romeo, in Romeo and Juliet attempts unsuccessfully to balance these two sides. 

Men, having much more sexual freedom than women, frequently use sexual puns throughout the play.  This form of language asserts their masculine power over women, who are portrayed as weak and viewed only as sexual figures (with Romeo as the exception).

The battle between the opposing sides of masculinity ultimately causes the death of all the young male figures in the play.  Mercutio dies while defending Romeo's honor.  When Romeo refuses to fight Tybalt and defend his family name because of his love for Juliet, Mercutio steps in to violently defend the honor of Romeo's name.  Tybalt and Benvolio also die in the violence of defending the family name.

Romeo's death is caused by the conflicts of his masculinity.  Because he cannot have both Juliet and family honor, he must choose only one.  When he chooses Juliet and he believes her to be dead, his despair is so great that it causes his suicide.  While Tybalt, Mercutio, and Benvolio died with the honor of the family name, Romeo dies in suicide.  His manner of death can be viewed not only as sinful, but as effeminate.  Romeo did not live and fight, he instead died quietly; he may have been trying to escape the masculine regime around him.  Juliet's love seems to have made him effeminate.

The Patriarchal society surrounding Romeo and Juliet greatly affects their union. Prince Escales is the father figure to the whole town of Verona and seems to be the ultimate figure of masculinity in the story.  Escales keeps order without any challenge of authority and has complete control over Verona.  All other male figures in teh story are prevented from realizing true masculinity.  Each of the young male characters dies in quest of masculinity; Capulet and Montague are ineffective in controlling their children. 

The imperfectly masculine figures who strive for family honor in Romeo and Juliet all serve as a foil to Romeo, who seeks love despite losing family honor.  Whether this makes Romeo effeminate or autonomous and strong is up for debate.

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