By the end of Romeo and Juliet, Paris and Romeo, both of whom loved Juliet, are dead. The two characters, however, are very different. Write an essay comparing and contrasting the two men. The introduction of your essay should include an attention-getter and thesis statement. The body of your essay should provide examples of similarities and differences regarding their attitudes toward love, traditions, and fidelity, as well as their actions. Close your essay with an overall conclusion, including a restatement of the thesis.
In William Shakespeare's tragic play Romeo and Juliet, both Paris and Romeo are in love with the same woman, Juliet, but they are very different in terms of their attitudes toward love, traditions, and fidelity. In this essay, I will compare and contrast Paris and Romeo, highlighting their similarities and differences in these aspects.
First and foremost, Paris and Romeo both share a deep love for Juliet. Paris, a nobleman and kinsman to the Prince of Verona, has won the approval of Juliet's parents and seeks to marry her. He expresses his love for Juliet by being respectful and courteous towards her, wanting to provide her with stability and security. On the other hand, Romeo, a Montague, falls in love with Juliet at first sight and is willing to defy his family and society to be with her. He sees Juliet as his soulmate, and his love for her is intense and passionate.
However, their attitudes toward love differ significantly. Paris views love as a duty and is more concerned with fulfilling social expectations and upholding traditions. He is willing to marry Juliet for the sake of their families' alliance, but he may not truly understand or appreciate the depth of love that Romeo and Juliet share. Romeo, on the other hand, believes in love at first sight and is willing to risk everything for Juliet. He values their love above all else and is willing to sacrifice his life for it.
In terms of traditions, Paris is a conformist who follows societal norms and expectations. He adheres to the rules of courtship and seeks Juliet's hand in marriage through the proper channels. Conversely, Romeo is a rebel who defies tradition and societal norms. He marries Juliet in secret and is willing to face the consequences of his actions for the sake of love.
When it comes to fidelity, Paris and Romeo also differ. Paris is loyal to Juliet and is committed to marrying her, even in the face of her apparent death. He remains faithful to his love for Juliet until his last breath. Romeo, however, struggles with fidelity and is impulsive in his actions. He quickly falls in love with Juliet after previously being infatuated with Rosaline, demonstrating his fickleness in love.
In conclusion, Paris and Romeo are both tragic figures in Romeo and Juliet, but they differ in their attitudes toward love, traditions, and fidelity. Paris represents the conformity and duty of love, while Romeo embodies the passion and rebellion of love. Despite their differences, both characters ultimately meet tragic fates in their pursuit of love.