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What are Lady Capulet's reasons for trying to persuade her daughter to consider marriage?

In Act One, Scene Three of Romeo and Juliet, Juliet is subject to some unpleasant questioning from her mother. Lady Capulet wants to know what Juliet thinks of getting married, to which Juliet responds, "It is an honour that I dream not of." Lady Capulet thinks this is a ridiculous response and asks Juliet to re-consider. She cites several reasons, including the fact that many young women younger than Juliet have already been married...

In Act One, Scene Three of Romeo and Juliet, Juliet is subject to some unpleasant questioning from her mother. Lady Capulet wants to know what Juliet thinks of getting married, to which Juliet responds, "It is an honour that I dream not of." Lady Capulet thinks this is a ridiculous response and asks Juliet to re-consider. She cites several reasons, including the fact that many young women younger than Juliet have already been married and bore children (including Lady Capulet herself when she was Juliet's age):



...younger than you,


Here in Verona, ladies of esteem,


Are made already mothers: by my count,


I was your mother much upon these years


That you are now a maid.



Lady Capulet is also very enthusiastic about Juliet's suitor: "[t]he valiant Paris." Lady Capulet believes that Paris is a wonderful match for Juliet since he is handsome, young, and in need of a wife. Lady Capulet thinks Juliet, who is also fittingly beautiful, will obtain much admiration if she marries Paris--not to mention, she will "share all that he doth possess" by becoming his wife. His wealth, status, and appearance makes Paris an ideal husband... at least in Lady Capulet's eyes.

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