In William Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet," Lord Capulet decides that Juliet should marry Paris, whom he considers a suitable match. His decision is influenced by a few factors:
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Juliet’s Age and Maturity: Initially, Lord Capulet hesitates because he believes Juliet is too young for marriage. He suggests that Paris should wait two more years, indicating that he values Juliet's youth and wishes for her to be ready for such a significant commitment.
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Family Pressure and Social Status: As the head of the Capulet family, Lord Capulet feels the pressure to ensure a favorable match for his daughter that aligns with family interests and social status. Marrying Juliet to Paris, who is of noble birth and well-regarded, could strengthen their social position.
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Juliet's Emotional Well-being: When he eventually decides that the wedding should happen sooner, he does not consider Juliet's feelings, believing that it is in her best interest to accept an advantageous match. He insists that her marriage to Paris is a matter that should be arranged without considering her personal wishes.
Ultimately, Lord Capulet's decision reflects the societal norms of the time, where marriages were often arranged based on family alliances and social standing rather than individual desires. This decision sets off a chain of events that leads to the tragic conclusion of the play.
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