ACT III - Scene IV — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from ACT III - Scene IV

unluckily

Unfortunately; by bad fortune. Capulet uses it to describe the ill-timed circumstances surrounding Tybalt's death that have prevented him from discussing Paris's marriage proposal with Juliet.

move

To persuade or influence someone's feelings. In this context, Capulet means he has not had time to persuade Juliet to consider Paris's suit.

woe

Deep grief, sorrow, or distress. Paris uses it to acknowledge the family's mourning period after Tybalt's death.

commend

To convey regards or greetings to someone. Paris asks Lady Capulet to pass along his respectful greetings to Juliet.

mew'd

Shut up; caged or confined. Derived from "mew," a cage for hawks during molting. Lady Capulet uses it to describe Juliet being shut away in her room.

heaviness

Sadness, grief, or emotional weight. In Elizabethan English, it specifically denotes a state of deep sorrow or melancholy.

desperate tender

A bold or daring offer. "Tender" means an offer or proposal, and "desperate" conveys the urgency and risk Capulet feels in making this promise on Juliet's behalf.

rul'd

Governed; obedient to authority. Capulet expresses his certainty that Juliet will be completely obedient to his wishes regarding the marriage.

ado

Fuss, commotion, or elaborate activity. Capulet wants to avoid a large celebration out of respect for Tybalt's death.

carelessly

Without proper care or regard. In this context, it means showing disrespect for the dead by celebrating too soon after Tybalt's killing.