1.2 Invitations

Prompt A

Summary

In this scene, Lord Capulet starts discussing Juliet's marriage plans with Paris.  He tells Paris that it is still too early for him to marry, but in time he favors their union.  He then invites Paris to the party his family is hosting that night, where many beautiful women will be present.  Lord Capulet hands his servant a list and orders him to invite everyone on it. Left alone, the illiterate servant is confused about how he will be able to accomplish this task because of his inability to read.  He then runs into Romeo and Benvolio,who are discussing Romeo's love life.  Romeo then helps the servant and read the list out loud.  Upon reading it, he realizes that one of the guests is Rosalina, the girl he loves.  The servant invites the Romeo and Benvolio to the party, not knowing that they are part of the Montague family.  Benvolio then convinces Romeo to attend the party as an opportunity for Romeo to see his love and maybe meet new beautiful girls.

Prompt C

Questions

Lord Capulet - What makes you believe that Paris is a good and qualified man for Juliet to marry?
Lord Capulet - How would you expect an illiterate servant to read and send invitations without help?
Benvolio - What makes you obliged to continue helping Romeo in his love life?
Romeo - Don't you think it is dangerous to go to Caputlets's, the enemy family's party?
Romeo - Are you going to the party expecting to meet new girls or to see Rosalina?

Prompt D

Quotes

While discussing Juliet's marriage, Lord Capulet explains to Paris, 

"And too soon marred are those so early made.
Earth hath swallowed all my hopes but she;

• She's the hopeful lady of my earth.
• But woo her, gentle Paris, get her heart."  
• 
  
• This quote is significant because it really describes what kind of person Lord Capulet is.  It shows us that he really cares for his daughter and for her well being.  On the other hand, he wants to keep the family pride and make sure she marries a good man; Paris.  It shows us that he can be pretty strict, but all while keeping his cool and being courteous.  These lines help define who Lord Capulet is; showing him as a kind and smart person, but they also show how influential he is on other people and how much power he has in the community.

While helping Romeo with his love affairs, Benvolio explains that,

"Tut man, one fire burns out another's burning,

One pain is lessened by another's anguish;

Turn giddy, and be holp by backward turning.
One desperate grief cures with another's languish.

Take thou some new infection to thy eye,

And the rank poison of the old will die."

These lines really define how influential Benvolio is towards Romeo.  He is always there to help him out and give him good advice.  Benvolio is portrayed as a smart and reliable character - he is really helpful towards Romeo.  This quote also shows how witty Shakespeare was.  His word choice is very clever and precise, all while still conveying a very important point to the readers.  It makes me stop reading and think about what and why Shakespeare says things.  This novel is written in a very clever way which makes it intriguing.