any romeo and Juliet fans out there? i have a question?

Question

Why does Capulet want Juliet to marry Paris? Money? Relations with the prince? something else?

Thanks for your time!

Answer 1

Paris is a Prince so he is likely to have lots of money, and no doubt he is of the same or a higher social class than the Capulets...and back then it was all about status, and who you were connected to.

Answer 2

Paris approached Capulet, not the other way around. It was Lady Capulet that was anxious to seal the deal as soon as possible---her husband wanted to wait until Juliet was a couple years older.

But it would have been a very good match under most circumstances.. She was their only living child, they weren't getting any younger, and they had to arrange the best possible marriage for her. Paris was rich, from an important family, and wild to marry their daughter.

With Tybalt dead, there might have been some question of how Juliet and her mother would have been supported if Capulet were to die without a male heir. Which is why wedding plans shifted into high gear after Tybalt's death.

Answer 3

Well, Capulet is already rich, so he might be interested in Paris for his social status as a kinsman of the Prince more than for his money.

Another possible factor is that Tybalt, a member of the Capulet family, has killed Mercutio, who is, like Paris, a relative of the Prince. That might put the whole Capulet family in a bad position. Marrying Juliet into the Prince's family might seem like a politically advantageous move under the circumstances.

Answer 4

As far as I remember, Paris had been destined to be betrothed to Juliet and it was Lady Capulet's default to speak of Juliet as his bride. She was ignorant of Juliet's new love.