nurse quotes

• “Thou wilt fall backward.” (Act 1, Scene 3)

  The Nurse is telling a crude joke about Juliet's future sexual experiences. The phrase is a sexual innuendo, showing her bawdy, comic nature. Shakespeare uses the Nurse for comic relief, but also to highlight how marriage and sex were closely linked in Elizabethan times. Despite her affection for Juliet, this shows she treats love in a more physical, less romantic way.
• “I might live to see you married.” (Act 1, Scene 3)

  This shows the Nurse’s motherly affection for Juliet. It’s a heartfelt wish, suggesting she wants Juliet to be secure and settled. Shakespeare presents her as a substitute mother figure, someone deeply invested in Juliet’s future, but also tied to the expectations of marriage and duty for young women.
• “What saucy merchant is this?” (Act 2, Scene 4)

  She says this to Mercutio when he’s being rude. It’s ironic, as she often uses innuendo herself, but is offended when others do it to her. Shakespeare uses this to show the Nurse’s protectiveness over Juliet, as well as her hypocrisy. It also reflects the class divide, as the Nurse is a servant and Mercutio is a nobleman.
• “There’s no trust in men… no honesty… all perjured.” (Act 3, Scene 2)

  The Nurse expresses bitterness after Romeo kills Tybalt. Her words reflect her cynical view of men, contrasting Juliet’s loyal love. The repetition of “no” creates a tone of despair and disillusionment. Shakespeare shows how the Nurse’s loyalty begins to shift, and how adults in the play often fail to support the lovers when it matters most.