Peter is a servingman within the Capulet family. Whereas a minor character, he affords a glimpse into the lives of those that lived throughout the hierarchical construction of Elizabethan society. He’s typically seen accompanying the Nurse and finishing up her errands. One notable occasion is his involvement within the supply of Romeo’s message proposing marriage to Juliet, demonstrating the important, if unwitting, function he performs within the unfolding tragedy. His restricted literacy, highlighted by his request for Romeo to decipher the visitor checklist for the Capulet feast, additional underscores his social standing.
Analyzing characters like Peter offers a deeper understanding of the play’s social context. Servants, although typically ignored, have been an integral a part of rich households just like the Capulets’. They facilitated communication, carried out home duties, and provided a contrasting perspective to the lives of the the Aristocracy. By observing Peter’s interactions with different characters, we achieve perception into the social dynamics and hierarchies of the time. His presence, although seemingly insignificant, contributes to the general richness and complexity of the play’s world.
