Scene III explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Youth and Impetuosity

  Juliet's youth is emphasized (she is not yet fourteen), and her cautious response to marriage contrasts with the impulsive love that will soon follow.

• Individual vs. Society

  Juliet is presented with a socially arranged marriage to Paris, setting up the conflict between her personal desires and familial/societal expectations.

Characters to notice

• Juliet

  Juliet is introduced as a nearly fourteen-year-old girl, obedient and reserved, agreeing to look at Paris but not committing her heart beyond her mother's consent.

• Lady Capulet

  Lady Capulet initiates the conversation about marriage, praising Paris and urging Juliet to consider him, reflecting societal expectations for young noblewomen.

• Nurse

  The Nurse provides a lengthy, affectionate reminiscence of Juliet's childhood, emphasizing her close bond with Juliet and her approval of Paris as a match.

Key passages

• “Read o’er the volume of young Paris’ face, And find delight writ there with beauty’s pen; Examine every married lineament, And see how one another lends content, And what obscured in this fair volume lies Find written in the margent of his eyes.”

  Study Paris's handsome face like a book, and you'll see beauty and happiness written in every feature; any hidden qualities are revealed in his eyes.

  Lady Capulet uses a metaphor comparing Paris to a beautiful book, urging Juliet to judge him by his appearance.

• “I’ll look to like, if looking liking move: But no more deep will I endart mine eye Than your consent gives strength to make it fly.”

  I will try to like him if looking leads to liking, but I won't let my feelings go further than you allow.

  Juliet agrees to consider Paris but defers to her mother's authority, showing her initial obedience.