GCSE English Literature

Nurse Quotes2 essential quotes with full analysis.

Complete collection of the Nurse's most important quotes for GCSE English Literature, including her comic moments and tragic betrayal of Juliet.

About the Nurse

The Nurse is Juliet's closest confidante and has been her caretaker since infancy - she even breastfed Juliet as a baby. She provides comic relief with her bawdy humor and rambling stories, but also serves a crucial plot function as the go-between for Romeo and Juliet's secret relationship.

However, the Nurse ultimately fails Juliet when it matters most. After Romeo's banishment, she advises Juliet to forget Romeo and marry Paris instead, prioritizing practicality over loyalty. This betrayal isolates Juliet completely, leaving her with no adult support and contributing to the tragic ending. The Nurse represents well-meaning adults whose failure to understand young love leads to disaster.

Comic ReliefLoyaltyBetrayalClassMotherhood

All Nurse Quotes

His name is Romeo, and a Montague, the only son of your great enemy
NurseAct 1, Scene 5
Family ConflictLoveFate

Context: The Nurse reveals Romeo's identity to Juliet.

Analysis

This revelation crystallizes the tragedy - the man Juliet loves is her family's enemy. The Nurse's simple statement carries enormous dramatic weight. "Only son" parallels Juliet's position as only daughter - both families' futures rest on this doomed couple.

Language Techniques:

ExpositionDramatic ironyParallelism

Exam Tip

The Nurse, like Friar Lawrence, facilitates the relationship but cannot prevent tragedy. She is a conduit of information.

I think it best you married with the County. O, he's a lovely gentleman! Romeo's a dishclout to him
NurseAct 3, Scene 5
LoveYouth vs AgeFamily Conflict

Context: The Nurse advises Juliet to forget Romeo and marry Paris.

Analysis

The Nurse's practical advice betrays Juliet's trust. Her shallow comparison ("dishclout") shows she never understood the depth of Juliet's love. This betrayal isolates Juliet, pushing her toward the Friar's desperate plan.

Language Techniques:

Colloquial languageComparisonDramatic turning point

Exam Tip

The Nurse's betrayal leaves Juliet alone. Without adult support, she turns to the Friar's dangerous plan.

Explore More Romeo and Juliet Quotes

View quotes from other characters including Romeo, Juliet, Mercutio, and Friar Lawrence.