Romeo and Juliet Group

Question:


tash2007

In "Romeo and Juliet," why doesn't Lord Capulet allow Tybalt to confront Romeo at the ball?

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Posted by tash2007 on Friday January 26, 2007 at 1:44 PM and tagged with ball, lord capulet, plot, romeo, romeo and juliet, tybalt.

Answers:


  1. janet-costa Teacher
    Graduate School

    eNotes Editor

    Old Capulet does not allow Tybalt to confront Romeo because such an action would challenge the older man's position as head of his household. Furthermore, such action at "an old-accustomed feast" would be deemed an insult to the guests. As is evident in the text, the houses of Montague and Capulet are the leading influences in Verona, and should try to avoid scandals.

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    Posted by janet-costa on Monday March 26, 2007 at 8:56 AM

  2. revolution
    revolution Teacher
    Doctorate

    He felt all these actions that Tybalt did would make him lose his influence and control over the household and make him lose face and honour. It would also challenge his position and rightful standing and maybe even be forced down.

    Such actions may prove to be an insult and a disgrace to the guests and even shamed Capulet. They might be rumors saying that Capulets are very aggressive and violet, which would make him lose his power and his might among the people.

    The Capulets are the main strongforce in this town and one wrong action or move might be lead to a full-blown conspiracy and scandals might break out. They should be trying to avoid scandals and not creating them.

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    Posted by revolution on Thursday July 16, 2009 at 5:38 AM