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Why does Don Pasquale want to marry?
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Don Pasquale seeks to marry primarily to produce direct heirs, which would allow him to disinherit his rebellious nephew, Ernesto.1
By taking a wife, the elderly Don Pasquale intends to cut Ernesto out of his fortune as punishment for the young man's refusal to marry a wealthy lady of Pasquale's choosing. Pasquale is so committed to this plan that he enlists the help of Dr. Malatesta to find a suitable bride, fantasizing about the children they will have together.1