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.

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“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.

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“’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.

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“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.

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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“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.

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“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.

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“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.

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“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.

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“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.

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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“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.

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“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.

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“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.

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“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.

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“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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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“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.