Question

Explain how scene II develops the theme of fate and free will. In this scene, Capulet allows Count Paris to court his daughter Juliet. What does Capulet's decision reveal about Juliet's power over her own fate?

Answer 1

According to the article it says,"In act I, scene II, of Romeo and Juliet, Count Paris approaches Capulet to ask for Juliet’s hand in marriage. Although at the time women did not have much say about whom they would marry, Capulet allows Juliet to be somewhat involved in the decision. He tells Paris that Juliet needs to approve of her future husband:

An she agree, within her scope of choice

Lies my consent and fair according voice.

However, Juliet is not consulted in the decision to let Paris court her. So while it may seem like Juliet is allowed to exercise her free will, it is only as much as her father decides she should have. In reality, Juliet is subject to her father's will and judgment."

Answer 2

Lord Capulet believes his daughter is too young to marry, but he is also incapable of directly refusing Paris. To buy time, he instead asks Paris to court his daughter first. It shows that he knows what he thinks is best for his daughter and makes that decision for her.