AboutRandy Sus Expertise I`m a retired high school English teacher from central Wisconsin. I taught Shakespeare for years and am very familiar with his writing style, his themes, his sonnets, and most of his plays. I taught Julius Caesar, King Lear, Richard the Third, and A Midsummer Night`s Dream for years. I`ve memorized many of the lines from these plays and I know many sonnets by heart. I`d be glad to respond to questions regarding Shakespeare`s life, works, and times if anyone desired such information.
Experience I have a master's degree in education and I take most pride in having ENJOYED teaching for over 30 years. Not everyone can honestly say that.
I coached undefeated high school soccer teams for fun too. I like public relations work and have served on P.R. committees for most of my professional life. I continue to do so in retirement.
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.
