Hook: Have you ever wondered why arranged marriages are still prevalent in some cultures?

Thesis: Lady Capulet, in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, believes arranged marriages can be successful because they ensure social status and financial stability, as seen in her desire for Juliet to marry Paris, and the author of “Arranged Marriage: Yes or No?”, emphasizes the importance that arranged marriages can lead to happiness because they prioritize compatibility and shared values, as evidenced by the success stories of arranged marriages.

First Body paragraph (5-7 sentences)
Hint Use ACES
A: Lady Capulet feels like arranged marriages can lead to happiness because _________________ (In your own words, state how Lady Capulet feels about arranged marriages.)

Lady Capulet feels that arranged marriages can be successful because they ensure social status and financial stability. In Romeo and Juliet, Lady Capulet desires for Juliet to marry Paris, a wealthy and noble suitor, despite Juliet's love for Romeo. Lady Capulet believes that marrying someone of high social standing will bring honor and prestige to the family. Additionally, arranged marriages often involve the exchange of dowries, which can provide financial security for the bride and her family. Lady Capulet's views on arranged marriages reflect the societal norms of her time, where marriage was often seen as a transaction between families rather than a union based on love and mutual affection.

A: Lady Capulet feels like arranged marriages can lead to happiness because they ensure social status and financial stability, as seen in her desire for Juliet to marry Paris. In Act 1, Scene 3, Lady Capulet discusses the possibility of Juliet marrying Paris, a wealthy and nobleman. She praises Paris' social standing and wealth, stating, "Verona's summer hath not such a flower" (1.3.79). Lady Capulet believes that by marrying Paris, Juliet would acquire a higher social status and the financial security that comes with it. She sees arranged marriages as a means to secure a comfortable and prosperous future for her daughter. Therefore, Lady Capulet supports the idea of arranged marriages because they offer social and economic advantages.