In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Juliet says she would rather die than marry Paris.
Juliet makes this desperate statement when her parents insist that she marry Count Paris, unaware that she is already married to Romeo. Her father’s reaction is furious because he believes the marriage will benefit the Capulet family and assumes Juliet should obey him.
Juliet then seeks help from Friar Laurence. The friar proposes the potion plan, which will make her appear dead temporarily and allow her to avoid the wedding. The plan depends on Romeo receiving a letter explaining the deception.
The line is not a casual expression of teenage rebellion: within the play’s plot, Juliet’s refusal leads directly to the dangerous scheme at the tomb. Her choice also reveals how little control she has over marriage decisions in her society.