Romeo & Juliet Act 1 Scene 3 Quiz

The Nurse is very supportive of Paris as a suitor for Juliet. She refers to him as "a man of wax," meaning that he is as perfect as a sculpture. The Nurse’s positive opinion of Paris aligns with Lady Capulet’s view, as both women hope Juliet will be impressed by his appearance and social standing. The Nurse’s approval further emphasizes her desire to see Juliet well-married and secure.

Both Lady Capulet and the Nurse are eager for Juliet to marry Paris. They believe that Paris, being a wealthy and handsome suitor, would make an excellent match for Juliet. In their conversation, Lady Capulet praises Paris, likening him to a fine book that only needs a beautiful cover (Juliet) to complete it. The Nurse also expresses her approval of Paris, calling him "a man of wax," meaning he is as perfect as if he were sculpted from wax. They hope that Juliet will be impressed by Paris and agree to marry him.

The Nurse reminisces about the day when Juliet, as a toddler, fell and hurt her head. She recounts this memory with fondness and humor, illustrating her close bond with Juliet. The story also highlights the Nurse’s role as a caregiver and her long history with Juliet, having raised her since infancy. The Nurse’s recollections add depth to her character, showing her maternal affection and the personal connection she feels with Juliet.

Juliet's reaction to her mother’s request is cautious and respectful. She agrees to observe Paris and try to see if she can like him, but she stops short of making any promises. Juliet’s response is a reflection of her dutiful nature as she tries to balance her own feelings with the expectations of her family. Her willingness to consider Paris shows that she is open to the idea of marriage, though she does not yet know what love truly feels like.

In Act 1, Scene 3 of "Romeo and Juliet," Lady Capulet hints that she was around Juliet's age when she became a mother. Juliet is 13 years old during the events of the play, which suggests that Lady Capulet was also in her early teens when she gave birth to Juliet. This reflects the social norms of the time when girls were often married off and had children at a young age. Lady Capulet uses this information to persuade Juliet to consider marriage to Paris, indicating that it is time for her to follow a similar path.

At the start of the play, Juliet shows no interest in marriage. When Lady Capulet asks Juliet how she feels about getting married, Juliet responds that it is "an honor that I dream not of," indicating that marriage is not something she has considered or desired. This reaction is typical of her young age and inexperience. Her lack of interest contrasts sharply with her later intense feelings for Romeo, which develop quickly after their first meeting.

The Nurse's first appearance in Act 1, Scene 3, is marked by her playful and bawdy sense of humor. She tells stories of Juliet’s childhood and makes light-hearted, earthy jokes about love, sex, and marriage. This humor provides comic relief in the play and showcases the Nurse’s warm, maternal, and slightly irreverent personality. Her interactions with Juliet and Lady Capulet also highlight her long-standing relationship with the family and her deep affection for Juliet.

While Juliet shares a close and affectionate bond with the Nurse, it is Lady Capulet who holds the most authority over her. In Act 1, Scene 3, Lady Capulet directs the Nurse to call Juliet and oversees the conversation about Paris. This shows that Lady Capulet is in charge of the household matters and has the final say, especially in matters of importance such as arranging Juliet's marriage. The Nurse, though outspoken and familiar with Juliet, ultimately follows Lady Capulet’s instructions.

In Act 1, Scene 3, when Lady Capulet suggests that Juliet should consider Paris as a potential husband, Juliet responds diplomatically. She agrees to observe Paris during the Capulet feast and see if she can develop any feelings for him. However, she does not commit to marrying him, showing her cautious and obedient nature. Juliet’s response reflects her desire to please her mother while also keeping her own emotions in check.

Lady Capulet uses a poetic metaphor to describe Paris, likening him to a "volume" that only needs a "cover" (Juliet) to be complete. This comparison is intended to persuade Juliet that she would complement Paris perfectly and that their marriage would be both beautiful and beneficial. Lady Capulet’s argument reflects the societal expectation that marriages should enhance social status and appearance.