ACT III - Scene IV Practice Quiz — Romeo and Juliet
by William Shakespeare — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: ACT III - Scene IV
Where does Act III, Scene IV take place?
At the Capulet household, late at night.
Which three characters appear in Act III, Scene IV?
Lord Capulet, Lady Capulet, and Paris.
Why has Capulet not yet spoken to Juliet about marrying Paris?
Because Tybalt's recent death has consumed the household and there has been no time to "move" (persuade) Juliet.
What does Capulet say about Juliet's whereabouts in this scene?
He says she will not come downstairs tonight because she is grieving for Tybalt.
What does Paris mean when he says "These times of woe afford no tune to woo"?
He means that this period of mourning is not an appropriate time to court Juliet.
What does "mew'd up to her heaviness" mean?
It means shut away (confined) in her grief. "Mew'd" refers to being caged, and "heaviness" means sorrow.
What is Capulet's "desperate tender"?
His bold offer of Juliet's love to Paris — he promises that Juliet will marry Paris without first asking for her consent.
How does Capulet's promise to Paris differ from his earlier position?
In Act I, Scene II, Capulet said Juliet's consent was essential. Now he declares she "will be rul'd in all respects by me" and arranges the marriage unilaterally.
What day of the week is it in Act III, Scene IV?
Monday. Paris confirms this when Capulet asks.
Why does Capulet change the wedding day from Wednesday to Thursday?
He decides Wednesday is "too soon" and settles on Thursday, though this still represents a rushed timeline.
Why does Capulet want a small wedding?
Because Tybalt was recently killed. A large celebration would make it seem the family did not care about their kinsman's death.
How many guests does Capulet plan to invite?
About half a dozen friends — a very small gathering.
What is the main dramatic irony in this scene?
The Capulets think Juliet is upstairs grieving for Tybalt, but she is actually with Romeo on their wedding night. They plan her marriage to Paris, not knowing she is already married.
What does Capulet instruct Lady Capulet to do?
Go to Juliet before bed and inform her of the planned marriage to Paris on Thursday.
What does Capulet's line "so very very late that we may call it early" mean?
It is so late at night that it is almost morning — emphasizing the lateness of the hour when this fateful decision is made.
How does this scene create a "ticking clock" for the rest of the play?
By setting the wedding for Thursday (three days away), it compresses the timeline and forces Juliet into an impossible situation — she must find a way to avoid marrying Paris while already being married to Romeo.
What theme does Capulet's unilateral decision about Juliet's marriage illustrate?
The theme of parental authority versus individual will, and the powerlessness of women in a patriarchal society.
How does Paris respond to Capulet's offer of Thursday for the wedding?
He eagerly accepts, saying "My lord, I would that Thursday were to-morrow" — he wishes it could happen even sooner.