Expert: Randy Sus - 6/22/2009

Question
Hello,
In Act 1 Scene 1 of Romeo and Juliet, what does Lady Capulet
mean when she says: "A crutch, a crutch!"

Cheers.

Answer
Hi, Victor,

Thanks for calling upon "Allexperts" for assistance in interpreting Lady Capulet's meaning in her mention of "A crutch" early in the play Romeo and Juliet.

Lady Capulet is being protective of her husband and would rather that, at his age, he used a crutch rather than a sword.  Perhaps this line is an early foreshadowing in the play that at least SHE is finally tired of their ongoing feud with the Montagues, and perhaps she'd like to see her husband "retire and rest" rather than continue the violence of the past.  She may consider him too old to continue the fight.

In most feuds, it is up to the elders of the families to maintain the hostility that began the feud.  The youngsters may otherwise forget (if not forgive) the indiscretion that initiated the quarrel.
The elders would rather that they did NOT forgive or forget.  They are bent on vengeance, and want their offspring to be so as well.

Good luck with your continued study of Shakespeare's works.

Happy trails,

Randy