Romeo & Juliet, Lord Capulet Question &Answer

A model answer for the past paper question about Lord Capulet. Includes relevant quotes and a detailed analysis of the character.

Read the following extract from Act 1 Scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet, and then answer the question that follows. At this point in the play, Lord Capulet and Paris are discussing Juliet.

PARIS
But now, my lord, what say you to my suit?

CAPULET
But saying o’er what I have said before:

My child is yet a stranger in the world,
She hath not seen the change of fourteen years;

Let two more summers wither in their pride,
Ere we may think her ripe to be a bride.

PARIS
Younger than she are happy mothers made.

CAPULET
And too soon marred are those so early made.
The earth hath swallowed all my hopes but she;
She’s the hopeful lady of my earth.
But woo her, gentle Paris, get her heart,
My will to her consent is but a part;
And she agreed, within her scope of choice
Lies my consent and fair according voice.

Question
Starting with this conversation, explain how far you think Shakespeare presents Lord Capulet as a good father.
Write about:
• how Shakespeare presents Lord Capulet in this extract
• how Shakespeare presents Lord Capulet in the play as a whole.