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Why does Ernesto refuse to marry the wealthy woman Don Pasquale chooses?
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Ernesto refuses to marry the wealthy woman chosen by his uncle, Don Pasquale, because he is already in love with Norina, whom Don Pasquale considers to be an unworthy match.1
Ernesto is aware that rejecting his uncle's choice will result in his disinheritance, which would leave him unable to afford a life with Norina. Consequently, he initially attempts to give her up to spare her from a life of poverty and misery.1