Question

Why do Romeo's parents not ask Romeo directly why he is sad?

Answer 1

Answer:

Romeo's relationship with his parents is somewhat typical. Romeo's mother and father seem to care about his well-being, but Romeo is a teenage boy who keeps secrets; the family is caring but distant. Romeo's father knows Romeo is depressed. He has observed his son's behaviour and is aware that Romeo's condition is serious (he says that Romeo's state may prove "black and portentous" if it can't be remedied). He also has tried to find out what is wrong with Romeo both on his own and with the help of friends, to no avail. So Montague is caring but incapable of bridging the distance between himself and his son, even with assistance. Lady Montague appears even more disconnected than her husband. Again, she cares--she is pleased to hear that Romeo hasn't been fighting--but seems oblivious to the deeper  problems Romeo has. In this, she appears to be even more removed from her son than her husband, for her concern seems misplaced (at least initially), for Romeo is more of a lover than a fighter.

Neither parent functions as a confidant or a guide for Romeo. He shares neither the source of his sorrow nor the source of his joy with them. He does not consider going to them for advice, but instead shares his troubles with the friar and Benvolio, neither of whom give him particularly good counsel.

Explanation: