ACT I - Scene III Practice Quiz — Romeo and Juliet
by William Shakespeare — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: ACT I - Scene III
Where does Act I, Scene 3 take place?
The scene takes place in the Capulet household, where Lady Capulet, the Nurse, and Juliet gather to discuss an important matter.
Why does Lady Capulet summon Juliet?
Lady Capulet wants to tell Juliet that Count Paris has expressed his desire to marry her and to encourage Juliet to observe him at the upcoming Capulet feast.
What does the Nurse reminisce about in her long speech?
The Nurse recalls weaning Juliet during an earthquake eleven years ago, Juliet falling and bumping her brow as a toddler, and her late husband's bawdy joke that Juliet would "fall backward" when she grew up.
How does Juliet respond to the proposal of marrying Paris?
Juliet responds cautiously, saying she will "look to like, if looking liking move" — she will observe Paris at the feast but will not pursue feelings beyond what her mother approves.
What interrupts the conversation at the end of the scene?
A servant enters to announce that the guests have arrived, supper is served, and everything is in "extremity," prompting the women to leave for the feast.
Why does Lady Capulet first dismiss and then recall the Nurse?
Lady Capulet initially wants to speak privately with Juliet but quickly changes her mind, recognizing the Nurse as a trusted confidante who should hear their counsel about marriage.
When is Juliet's birthday, according to the Nurse?
Juliet's birthday is on Lammas Eve (July 31), when she will turn fourteen. Lady Capulet confirms it is "a fortnight and odd days" away.
How is the Nurse characterized in this scene?
The Nurse is established as a comic, earthy, and deeply affectionate surrogate mother to Juliet. Her rambling monologue reveals genuine love for Juliet and a bawdy sense of humor.
What does the Nurse's mention of Susan reveal?
Susan was the Nurse's own daughter who was the same age as Juliet but has since died. This detail explains why the Nurse transferred her maternal love to Juliet, whom she nursed and raised.
How does Lady Capulet compare to the Nurse as a maternal figure?
Lady Capulet is formal, distant, and somewhat awkward with Juliet, relying on rehearsed rhetoric. The Nurse, by contrast, shows genuine warmth and intimate knowledge of Juliet's entire life.
What does Juliet's behavior in this scene reveal about her character?
Juliet appears poised, obedient, and measured in her speech. She is respectful to her elders but carefully noncommittal, showing subtle independence of mind beneath her dutiful exterior.
How does the Nurse describe Paris?
The Nurse enthusiastically praises Paris, calling him "a man of wax" (meaning perfectly formed, like a wax sculpture) and agreeing with Lady Capulet that he is "a flower" — the finest young man in Verona.
What theme does the marriage discussion introduce?
The scene introduces the theme of arranged marriage and parental authority, showing how Juliet's future is being decided by her parents for social advantage rather than love — setting up the central conflict with Romeo.
How does the scene explore the theme of youth versus experience?
The adults project adult expectations onto Juliet, who is not yet fourteen. Lady Capulet pressures her toward marriage, while the Nurse's memories emphasize how recently Juliet was a toddler, highlighting the tension between childhood and the adult world.
What role does time play as a motif in this scene?
The Nurse's precise recollections — the earthquake, Lammas Eve, the weaning — anchor Juliet's life to specific dates, creating a sense of time moving inexorably forward and foreshadowing the urgency that will drive the tragedy.
What extended metaphor does Lady Capulet use to describe Paris?
Lady Capulet compares Paris to a beautiful book: his face is a "volume" with "delight writ there with beauty's pen," his eyes have meaningful "margents" (margins), and Juliet would serve as the "cover" that completes this "precious book of love."
What examples of foreshadowing appear in this scene?
The Nurse's husband's joke about Juliet falling "backward" foreshadows her sexual awakening. Juliet's cautious agreement to "look" at Paris is ironic because she will fall overwhelmingly in love with Romeo instead at the very feast where she is meant to evaluate Paris.
How does Shakespeare use comic relief in this scene?
The Nurse's rambling monologue — with its digressions, repetitions, and bawdy double entendres — provides comic relief that lightens the scene before the more serious discussion of marriage and contrasts with the formality of Lady Capulet.
What does "a man of wax" mean when the Nurse uses it to describe Paris?
The phrase means Paris is as perfectly formed and handsome as a wax figure or sculpture. It is high praise for his physical appearance, suggesting flawless features.
What does "endart" mean in Juliet's line "no more deep will I endart mine eye"?
To "endart" means to shoot like a dart or arrow. Juliet says she will not let her gaze (and by extension, her affections) pierce deeper than her mother's consent allows, using imagery from archery.
Who says "It is an honour that I dream not of" and what does it mean?
Juliet says this in response to Lady Capulet asking about her feelings on marriage. It reveals that Juliet has not yet thought about marriage, suggesting her youth and innocence while also subtly deflecting the pressure being placed on her.
Who says "Go, girl, seek happy nights to happy days" and what does it suggest?
The Nurse says this as the final line of the scene, encouraging Juliet to embrace the prospect of marriage to Paris. The line reflects the Nurse's warm, bawdy personality with its playful suggestion of marital happiness and physical intimacy.