Skip to the content
The Library
of Alexandria

Romeo and Juliet, Act 3, Scene 4 summary

Act 3, Scene 4 of 26 · 2 min to read the scene

In Act 3, Scene 4, Capulet promises Paris his daughter’s love and sets their wedding for Thursday without asking Juliet what she wants. He directs Lady Capulet to tell her before bed, while Tybalt’s recent death leads him to plan only a small gathering.

What happens

  1. Capulet explains that grief over Tybalt leaves no opportunity to discuss marriage with Juliet.
  2. Paris prepares to leave, and Lady Capulet offers to discover Juliet’s wishes the next morning.
  3. Capulet promises Juliet’s love to Paris and tells his wife to speak with her before bed.
  4. After learning that it is Monday, Capulet rejects Wednesday and fixes the wedding for Thursday.
  5. Paris welcomes the early date, and Capulet limits the celebration out of respect for Tybalt.

Free for 3 months

Get the full summary of Romeo and Juliet, free

  • 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
  • Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.

In this scene

What to notice

Capulet treats Juliet’s love as something he can promise. His confidence in her obedience drives the marriage arrangements.

Quick check

Why does Capulet plan only a small wedding celebration?

Free for 3 months

Get the full summary of Romeo and Juliet, free

  • 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
  • Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold

15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.

Try 3 months free