R&J+footnotes+a1s2

=//Romeo and Juliet// Footnotes for a1s2=

1 **is bound** - probably by a vow or an oath taken by the leaders of each family The Montagues and the Capulets have been feuding for years. The Prince of Verona has warned them that whoever causes the next fight must leave Verona forever. GR

6 **my suit** - my request The County Paris is here to ask Juliet's father if he can marry her. His "But now, my lord" conveys both respect for Capulet and eagerness to have an answer for his request. GR

11 **Ere** - before In saying "ere she is ripe," Capulet's metaphor compares Juliet to a fruit, which needs time to grow properly before it is picked. Similarly, Juliet's Dad would like to see her grow up for another couple of years, from thirteen to fifteen, before she marries. GR

13 **marr'd** - marred (means messed up, also a pun on married) Continuing his fatherly concern, Juliet's Dad's pun suggests that, if she marries and becomes a mother this young, it will not be good for her. GR

 25 **Earth-treading stars ** - Stars that walk on earth? Hyperbole, anyone? Capulet claims that the women at his party will be so beautiful that they really belong in heaven, not on earth! Will THAT be enough to distract the County Paris from his daughter Juliet? GR

27 **well apparell'd April ** - well-dressed April In April (Spring) the trees are well dressed (personification) in their leaves, making them look better than they did in "limping winter." In the same way, Capulet hopes that the "fresh female buds" at his party look better to Paris than his daughter does. To her Dad, young Juliet is more like a tree in winter; it is not her season to bloom yet! GR

32 **on more view of many ** - once you see more [beauties] Once Paris looks at the other ladies, Capulet hopes that Juliet will only "stand in number" as one of many ladies but in his "reck'ning" she will no longer be among his top choices. This actually turns out to be ironic, since at this very party Romeo will fall in love with Juliet! GR