Final answer:
In William Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet," Lady Capulet, Juliet's mother, identifies Paris as an admirer of Juliet.
Step-by-step explanation:
Paris is a nobleman and kinsman of Prince Escalus, and he seeks Juliet's hand in marriage. Lady Capulet first introduces the idea of Paris as a potential match for Juliet in Act 1, Scene 3.
In this scene, Lady Capulet approaches Juliet to discuss the prospect of marriage. She mentions Paris as a suitable and eligible bachelor, describing him as a well-established and affluent young man. Lady Capulet's intention is to gauge Juliet's interest in the match and to prepare her for the possibility of marriage. However, Juliet's response is more reserved, and she doesn't express enthusiasm for the idea.
The mention of Paris as an admirer of Juliet serves to highlight the social and familial expectations surrounding marriage during that time. In Verona, where the play is set, arranged marriages were common among the aristocracy, and the union between two noble families was often seen as a strategic alliance. Paris, being a relative of the Prince, symbolizes stability and status, making him an appealing choice for the Capulet family.
Despite Lady Capulet's attempt to present Paris as a desirable suitor, Juliet's heart is elsewhere. Her secret love for Romeo, a Montague, sets the stage for the tragic events that follow. The mention of Paris as an admirer not only establishes a key plot point but also contributes to the tension and conflict that drive the narrative forward in "Romeo and Juliet."