By the end of Romeo and Juliet, Paris and Romeo, both of whom love, Juliet are dead the two characters, however, are very different write an essay comparing and contrasting the two men
Title: A Tale of Two Suitors: Paris and Romeo in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet
Introduction
William Shakespeare's classic tragedy Romeo and Juliet tells the story of two young lovers from feuding families who fall in love and are ultimately united in death. While Romeo may be the protagonist and Juliet's true love, there is another suitor vying for her affections: Paris, a nobleman of Verona. Though both men love Juliet, their reasons for seeking her hand in marriage differ vastly, as does their behavior as the play unfolds. This essay will analyze the differences and similarities between Paris and Romeo, illustrating how their contrasting backgrounds, motivations, and actions determine their fates in the play.
Background and Motivations
Paris comes from a noble family, making him an ideal match for Juliet according to her parents, Lord and Lady Capulet. He is described as "gallant, young, and noble" as well as wealthy, and thus is seen as a suitable husband for Juliet (Shakespeare 2.3.73). Paris's motivations for pursuing Juliet are more related to social standing and family alliances than a genuine passion for her. When he asks for Juliet's hand in marriage, he offers her father his title and wealth in exchange. His love for Juliet seems more like a business transaction, and his devotion to her is obligatory and expected rather than the result of a deep emotional connection.
Romeo, on the other hand, comes from the rival Montague family. The feud between the families creates an enormous obstacle for Romeo, who sincerely and passionately loves Juliet. Romeo's love for Juliet is impulsive and intense, stemming from her beauty at their first meeting. Unlike Paris, who pursues Juliet out of duty and obligation, Romeo's love is fueled by a genuine emotional attachment that extends beyond social expectations.
Behavior and Actions
Paris is a well-mannered and respectful young man. His appeals to Juliet's father for her hand in marriage are not only polite but also proper, following societal norms of his time. He is patient in waiting for Juliet to accept his proposal but is also determined. Even after hearing of her apparent disinterest, he still tries to win over her affections. Paris's behavior highlights his disciplined nature and respect for societal rules.
In contrast, Romeo is impulsive, ruled by his emotions and notoriously prone to acting rashly. His infatuation with Juliet leads him to defy the feud between their families, and the lovers secretly marry after exchanging only a few words. Romeo's impulsiveness also provokes the duel with Tybalt that leads to the latter's death and Romeo's banishment from Verona. While Romeo's passionate love for Juliet leads to beautiful declarations of love, it also brings tragedy and chaos as his irrational behavior incites violence and conflict.
Fate and Death
The deaths of Paris and Romeo also highlight their differences. Paris is killed by Romeo in a duel at Juliet's tomb – a confrontation that occurs because Paris misunderstands Romeo's intentions. Romeo is there to mourn Juliet, but when Paris believes him to be a vandal or villain, they fight, and Paris meets his end in a demonstration of his commitment to preserving Juliet's honor. His death, then, is a result of his adherence to the societal expectations for a prospective husband.
Romeo's death, however, is a direct consequence of his passionate, impulsive love. Driven to despair by the mistaken belief that Juliet is dead, Romeo drinks poison in a desperate attempt to join her in death. His love for Juliet, which drove him to act so rashly throughout the play, ultimately causes his death. Romeo's tragic end is almost poetic, as it cements his and Juliet's place as star-crossed lovers.
Conclusion
Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet showcases two different suitors for the heroine's affection – Paris, the wealthy, noble, and dutiful suitor, and Romeo, the passionate, impulsive, and romantic protagonist. While Paris's love for Juliet is motivated by social standing and obligation, Romeo's love is driven by emotion and connection. Their contrasting backgrounds, motivations, and actions ultimately determine their fates – as Paris meets his end trying to protect Juliet's honor and Romeo succumbs to his despair and passion. Despite their differences, both suitors share a love for Juliet, one that constitutes a cautionary tale of the consequences of societal expectations and unbridled passion in the face of tragic circumstances.