CAPULET
“Things have fallen out, sir, so unluckily
That we have had no time to move our daughter.”
- Meaning: Capulet is telling Paris that recent unfortunate events (Tybalt’s death) have disrupted their lives. Because of this, they haven’t had a chance to discuss Paris’ marriage proposal with Juliet.
- Analysis: The phrase “fallen out” suggests that fate or circumstances beyond their control have caused misfortune. The word “unluckily” emphasizes that they are victims of bad luck.
- Language Devices:
- Dramatic Irony: The audience knows that Juliet is mourning not just Tybalt but also the secret marriage to Romeo, which Capulet is unaware of.
- Foreshadowing: Capulet sees the situation as unfortunate but does not realize it will soon lead to greater tragedy.
“Look you, she loved her kinsman Tybalt dearly,
And so did I. Well, we were born to die.”
- Meaning: Capulet acknowledges that both he and Juliet deeply loved Tybalt. However, he also expresses a fatalistic view, saying that death is inevitable (“we were born to die”).
- Analysis: His statement reflects a resigned attitude toward fate. Instead of dwelling on the tragedy, he accepts it as a part of life and wants to move forward.
- Language Devices:
- Juxtaposition: Capulet acknowledges grief but quickly moves on, showing the contrast between mourning and pragmatism.
- Fatalism: The phrase “we were born to die” suggests a belief in destiny, a recurring theme in the play.
“’Tis very late. She’ll not come down tonight.”
- Meaning: Capulet informs Paris that Juliet will not be coming downstairs because she is too grief-stricken.
- Analysis: This emphasizes Juliet’s isolation. While her parents assume she is mourning Tybalt, the audience knows she is actually heartbroken over Romeo.
- Language Devices:
- Dramatic Irony: The audience knows that Juliet’s real sorrow is over Romeo, not just Tybalt.
“I promise you, but for your company,
I would have been abed an hour ago.”
- Meaning: Capulet tells Paris that if Paris hadn’t come to visit, he would have gone to bed earlier.
- Analysis: This line shows that Capulet, though mourning, is still maintaining social obligations. He is tired and perhaps emotionally drained but continues to entertain Paris.
PARIS
“These times of woe afford no times to woo.”
- Meaning: Paris acknowledges that this is not a good time for courtship (“woo” means to pursue someone for marriage).
- Analysis: This shows that Paris understands Juliet’s grief but also reveals his impatience. He still hopes to marry her soon despite the unfortunate timing.
- Language Devices:
- Alliteration: The repetition of “w” sounds in “woe” and “woo” emphasizes the contrast between grief and romance.
- Wordplay: “Woe” (sorrow) and “woo” (romantic pursuit) are similar in sound but opposite in meaning, highlighting the conflict between mourning and marriage.
“Madam, good night. Commend me to your daughter.”
- Meaning: Paris politely says goodnight and asks Lady Capulet to pass on his greetings to Juliet.
- Analysis: This reinforces Paris’ formal and respectful nature. Unlike Romeo’s passionate and rebellious love, Paris follows social conventions.
LADY CAPULET
“I will, and know her mind early tomorrow.”
- Meaning: Lady Capulet agrees to pass on Paris’ message and promises to talk to Juliet about her feelings the next morning.
- Analysis: Lady Capulet assumes that Juliet will be obedient and willing to listen, which shows how little she truly understands her daughter.
“Tonight she’s mewed up to her heaviness.”
- Meaning: Juliet is locked away (“mewed up”) in her sadness (“heaviness”).
- Analysis: This suggests that Juliet is trapped, both physically and emotionally. The word “mewed” comes from falconry, referring to birds being kept in cages, symbolizing Juliet’s lack of freedom.
- Language Devices:
- Metaphor: Comparing Juliet to a caged bird suggests she has no control over her fate.
- Imagery: The image of Juliet being locked away enhances the theme of isolation.
CAPULET
“Sir Paris, I will make a desperate tender
Of my child’s love.”
- Meaning: Capulet tells Paris that he will make Juliet an offer (“tender”) that she cannot refuse, essentially forcing her to marry Paris.
- Analysis: The word “desperate” suggests urgency. Capulet, eager to secure the marriage, assumes Juliet will obey him. This line foreshadows conflict, as Juliet will resist the arranged marriage.
- Language Devices:
- Foreshadowing: This hints at the upcoming conflict between Juliet and her parents.
- Irony: Capulet believes he can control Juliet’s love, but the audience knows she is already secretly married to Romeo.
“I think she will be ruled.”
- Meaning: Capulet assumes Juliet will obey him.
- Analysis: This highlights the patriarchal expectations of the time. Fathers had control over their daughters’ marriages, and Capulet expects Juliet to submit.
- Language Devices:
- Dramatic Irony: The audience knows Juliet will resist, creating tension.
- Power Dynamics: The phrase “be ruled” implies control, showing Capulet’s authority over Juliet.
CAPULET
“In all respects by me. Nay, more, I doubt it not.”
- Meaning: Capulet is confident that Juliet will do as he says. He has no doubts about her obedience.
- Analysis: This line reveals Capulet’s belief in his authority. He assumes Juliet will have no objections, reflecting the patriarchal norms of the time.
- Language Devices:
- Dramatic Irony: The audience knows Juliet is already married to Romeo, making Capulet’s confidence misguided.
- Tone: Capulet speaks with certainty, showing his firm control over his daughter’s fate.
“Wife, go you to her ere you go to bed.”
- Meaning: Capulet instructs Lady Capulet to talk to Juliet before going to sleep.
- Analysis: This shows how little Capulet is involved in direct communication with Juliet. Instead, he sends Lady Capulet to deliver his orders.
“Acquaint her here of my son Paris’ love,”
- Meaning: Capulet tells Lady Capulet to inform Juliet about Paris’ love for her.
- Analysis: The phrase “my son Paris” suggests that Capulet already considers Paris part of the family. This reinforces how transactional marriages were at the time.
“And bid her—mark you me?—on Wednesday next—”
- Meaning: He instructs Lady Capulet to tell Juliet to prepare for the wedding, initially suggesting Wednesday. The phrase “mark you me?” means pay attention to me.
- Analysis: Capulet is being forceful, emphasizing that Lady Capulet must ensure Juliet follows his decision.
“But soft, what day is this?”
- Meaning: Capulet pauses and asks what day it is.
- Analysis: This brief hesitation shows his impulsiveness. He is making a life-changing decision without careful thought.
PARIS:
“Monday, my lord.”
- Meaning: Paris answers that today is Monday.
- Analysis: This response is simple but crucial, as it influences Capulet’s next decision.
CAPULET
“Monday, ha ha! Well, Wednesday is too soon.”
- Meaning: Capulet laughs at himself for almost choosing Wednesday, realizing it is too soon.
- Analysis: His casual “ha ha” suggests he is not taking Juliet’s feelings into account. He is treating the wedding like a simple scheduling issue rather than a life-changing event.
“O’ Thursday let it be.—O’ Thursday, tell her,
She shall be married to this noble earl.”
- Meaning: He moves the wedding to Thursday and firmly declares that Juliet shall marry Paris.
- Analysis: The word “shall” shows that this is a command, not a suggestion. Capulet assumes Juliet has no choice in the matter.
- Language Devices:
- Imperative Tone: His words are direct and authoritative, showing his control.
- Dramatic Irony: The audience knows Juliet is already married, so this forced wedding creates tension.
“Will you be ready? Do you like this haste?”
- Meaning: Capulet asks Paris if he is ready and whether he minds the rushed timeline.
- Analysis: Capulet does not consider Juliet’s readiness—only Paris’. This shows his priority is securing a good match, not Juliet’s happiness.
“We’ll keep no great ado: a friend or two.”
- Meaning: Capulet decides to have a small wedding with only a few guests.
- Analysis: He wants to avoid appearing disrespectful to Tybalt’s recent death while still pushing forward with the marriage.
“For hark you, Tybalt being slain so late,
It may be thought we held him carelessly,
Being our kinsman, if we revel much.”
- Meaning: Capulet acknowledges that if they have a large, joyful wedding, people might think they do not care about Tybalt’s death.
- Analysis: This shows Capulet is concerned with appearances rather than genuine mourning.
“Therefore we’ll have some half a dozen friends,
And there an end.”
- Meaning: He decides to invite only a few guests and keep the ceremony simple.
- Analysis: His tone suggests he wants to get the wedding over with quickly.
“But what say you to Thursday?”
- Meaning: Capulet asks Paris if he agrees with Thursday.
- Analysis: Although he asks Paris’ opinion, he never asks Juliet. This reinforces how little control Juliet has over her own fate.
PARIS
“My lord, I would that Thursday were tomorrow.”
- Meaning: Paris wishes the wedding could happen even sooner.
- Analysis: Paris is eager, showing that he is either excited about marrying Juliet or impatient. His attitude contrasts with Romeo’s passionate love—Paris is more formal and practical.
CAPULET
“Well, get you gone. O’ Thursday be it, then.”
- Meaning: Capulet finalizes Thursday as the wedding day.
- Analysis: This decision is made quickly and without Juliet’s input, reflecting the lack of agency young women had in marriage.
To Lady Capulet:
“Go you to Juliet ere you go to bed.
Prepare her, wife, against this wedding day.”
- Meaning: Capulet instructs Lady Capulet to inform Juliet and ensure she is ready.
- Analysis: The word “prepare” implies that Juliet must comply, as if she is being conditioned for the event.
“Farewell, my lord.—Light to my chamber, ho!—
Afore me, it is so very late that we
May call it early by and by.—Good night.”
- Meaning: Capulet says goodnight, noting that it is so late it is almost morning.
- Analysis: This casual farewell contrasts with the major decision he just made. He does not seem to recognize the weight of his actions.
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