Act 3 Scene 4

The scene commences with Paris arriving at the Capulet’s house. It is revealed that Juliet’s father has promised him that he and Juliet will be married the following Thursday. Paris is thrilled at this increased haste, and responds, “My lord, I would that Thursday were tomorrow.” As such, it is clear that Paris is elated at the prospect of marrying Juliet. The wedding is hastened due to the recent re-ignition of the feud between the Capulets and the Montagues which has been enlivened, in the eyes of Capulet, due to the death of Tybalt. Capulet tells his wife that she is to inform Juliet immediately, and “prepare her... against this wedding day.” Here Capulet is instructing his wife to speak with his daughter and inform her as to how she is to act on her wedding day and night. It is clear that he is anxious for the relationship to proceed on good terms and he does not wish for his daughter to ruin her chances at securing a union with County Paris.