The Nurse has been with Juliet since Juliet was an infant. She nursed her, named the day of her weaning, lost her own daughter Susan around the same time. She is the closest thing Juliet has to a mother in any practical sense — the one who knows her birthday, her body, her appetites, her temper. She is also bawdy, tireless, opinionated, and a little vain. Shakespeare gives her some of the most loveable comic writing in the play.
What the Nurse wants is for Juliet to be married to a good-looking, well-funded young man and to be allowed to be happy about it. She wants to be the one Juliet whispers to. When Juliet falls for Romeo, the Nurse, after a bit of teasing, makes herself the lovers’ courier. She runs back and forth between them through Act 2 because she wants this to work.
She doesn’t change, exactly — but the play lets her down with a thump. When Capulet threatens to disown Juliet for refusing Paris, the Nurse, terrified, tells Juliet to forget Romeo and marry Paris. “He’s a lovely gentleman,” she says, more or less, “and Romeo’s gone.” It’s the moment Juliet realises she’s alone. The Nurse is never on Juliet’s side again the way she was. Shakespeare shows you, kindly, what an honest, ordinary love that’s not quite enough actually looks like.
Even or odd, of all days in the year,
Come Lammas-Eve at night shall she be fourteen.
Mark my words — on Lammas Eve, the night before August 1st, Juliet turns fourteen.
The Nurse · Act 1, Scene 3
The Nurse's first long speech, fixing Juliet's age in the audience's ear. Thirteen, almost fourteen — Shakespeare made her younger than his sources, and the play won't let you forget.
Then hie you hence to Friar Lawrence' cell;
There stays a husband to make you a wife.
Hurry to Friar Lawrence's cell — a husband is waiting there to marry you.
The Nurse · Act 2, Scene 5
The Nurse, after a long delay, finally relays Romeo's wedding plan. The most cheerful she will ever be on Juliet's behalf.
I think it best you married with the County.
O, he's a lovely gentleman!
I think you should just marry Paris. He's a lovely gentleman.
The Nurse · Act 3, Scene 5
The Nurse, terrified by Capulet's threats, gives the worst advice in the play. The moment Juliet realises she is alone.
