In Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet,” Juliet agrees to marry Paris at the insistence of her father, Lord Capulet. Capulet arranges the marriage, believing it would be a suitable match for his daughter and a way to help her move on from the death of Romeo. However, Juliet is already secretly married to Romeo, and she only agrees to the marriage with Paris in order to buy time and devise a plan with Friar Laurence to avoid the wedding and reunite with Romeo. Juliet’s agreement to marry Paris is a strategic move to preserve her relationship with Romeo, rather than an expression of genuine interest in the marriage.
As Juliet states, “What must be shall be,” indicating a resigned acceptance of the marriage to Paris, despite her true feelings for Romeo. Capulet’s insistence that Juliet should be “proud” and “count herself blest” to marry Paris further underscores the lack of Juliet’s genuine consent. Juliet’s clever response, “Not proud you have, but thankful that you have,” demonstrates her ability to navigate the situation diplomatically, all while remaining steadfast in her love for Romeo. Through this complex web of familial obligations and personal desires, Juliet’s agreement to marry Paris becomes a necessary concession, rather than a willing choice, as she seeks to preserve her forbidden romance with Romeo.
Relevant Passages:
Act i, Scene iii
Capulet and Paris discuss the possibility of Paris marrying Capulet’s daughter, but Capulet wants to wait until she is older. He invites Paris to a feast at his house that night, where Paris can meet and court his daughter.
Act iv, Scene i
Lady Capulet tells Juliet that she will be married to County Paris next Thursday, but Juliet refuses and declares that she will only marry Romeo. Capulet enters and is angry at Juliet’s refusal, but she stands her ground and expresses gratitude for her hatred towards Paris.
Act iv, Scene ii
In this passage, Paris and Friar Lawrence discuss the hasty arrangement of Paris and Juliet’s marriage. Juliet arrives and Paris tries to persuade her to confess her love for him, but she admits she loves him only to his face. The friar suggests they discuss the matter at evening mass.
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