Student Question

How old was Lady Capulet when Juliet was born?

Quick answer:

Lady Capulet was around thirteen years old when she had Juliet. This is inferred from her statement in Act I, Scene 3, where she mentions she was a mother at Juliet's current age, which is nearly fourteen. Therefore, Lady Capulet would be approximately twenty-seven years old.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

According to calculations, Lady Capulet says, "By my count, I was your mother much upon this years that you are now a maid".  This seems to say that Lady Capulet was thirteen when she had Juliet and since Juliet will be 14 years of age, at the conclusion of the ball, that would make Lady Capulet 27 years old.  It was the custom in the day that young ladies were married at the early age of 13 and should feel privileged when a gentleman asked for their hand in marriage. 

Source:  The Language and Literature Book by McDougal Littell.

Approved by eNotes Editorial
An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

It appears that Lady Capulet was quite young when Juliet was born.  When she is introducing the idea of marriage to Juliet before the masque in Act I Scene 3, she mentions that she was already a mother by Juliet's age, which is not quite 14:

[quote]

Lady Capulet.
Well, think of marriage now: younger than you,
Here in Verona, ladies of esteem,
Are made already mothers: by my count
I was your mother much upon these years
That you are now a maid. Thus, then, in brief;--
The valiant Paris seeks you for his love.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial