Question

invitation
section 1: paris and capulet (the \arranged marriage\ talk)

1. the request: count paris asks lord capulet for permission to marry juliet. based on lines 8-13, what is capulets initial answer? (hint: look for how old he thinks juliet should be before marrying).
2. the condition: capulet tells paris that his \will\ is only part of the decision. what does he tell paris he must do in lines 16-19 to truly win juliet?
3. the party: why is capulet hosting a party at his house tonight?

Explanation:

1. For the first question: In Romeo and Juliet lines 8-13, Lord Capulet says Juliet is too young (she is only 13) and asks Paris to wait two more years, until she is 15, to marry her. He also notes he will not oppose the match if Paris can win Juliet's heart in that time.
2. For the second question: In lines 16-19, Capulet tells Paris to attend his party, interact with Juliet, and court her gently to win her affection, since Juliet's own desire matters for the marriage.
3. For the third question: Capulet hosts the party to celebrate and let Paris spend time with Juliet, while also gathering family and friends for a festive occasion to help Paris court Juliet.

Answer:

1. Lord Capulet says Juliet is too young (only 13) and asks Paris to wait until she is 15 to marry her, adding he will not object if Paris can win Juliet's affection in the meantime.
2. He tells Paris to attend his party that night, spend time with Juliet, and court her to earn her love.
3. Capulet hosts the party to give Paris the chance to court Juliet, and to gather loved ones for a celebration while facilitating their interaction.