In Romeo and Juliet, what is the significance of the death of Paris in Act V, scene iii?
http://absoluteshakespeare.com/guides/romeo_and_juliet/summary/romeo_and_juliet_summary.htm
What do you think?
??
well, i'm not sure.
There wasn't any true reason Paris needed die.
is it to show Romeo's desperation and love he has for Juliet?
or is Paris' death linked somehow to the prince - the prince was not involved in the feud yet he was affected too (Paris was related to him), showing the evils of hatred?
The significance of the death of Paris in Act V, scene iii of Romeo and Juliet is related to several key themes and events in the play. To understand this significance, let's break it down step by step:
1. Context: Act V, scene iii is the final scene of the play, where the tragic events reach their climax. Romeo has just found Juliet seemingly dead in the Capulet's tomb and has taken his own life. When Paris arrives at the tomb, he believes that Romeo is there to desecrate it, which leads to a confrontation and ultimately, Paris' death.
2. Symbolism: Paris' death symbolizes the consequences of the ongoing feud between the Capulets and Montagues. Paris, representing the Capulet family, becomes another casualty of the long-standing conflict between the two families. This emphasizes the destructiveness of the feud and foreshadows the tragic outcome for other characters.
3. Theme of Fate: Paris' death also reinforces the theme of fate in the play. His untimely demise exemplifies how the characters are intertwined in a web of inevitability. Despite his genuine love for Juliet, Paris becomes a victim of circumstances beyond his control, ultimately leading to his tragic end.
4. Parallel to Romeo: Paris' death serves as a parallel to Romeo's own tragic fate. Both characters meet their demise because of their love for Juliet. Paris' death highlights the loss and heartbreak experienced by those who were not directly involved in Romeo and Juliet's forbidden love, illustrating the collateral damage caused by their relationship.
5. Resolution: Lastly, Paris' death helps resolve the complicated love triangle involving Juliet, Romeo, and Paris. With Paris out of the picture, Juliet's tragic end becomes even more poignant, as it is solely centered on her love for Romeo.
To delve deeper into the significance of Paris' death in Act V, scene iii, one can analyze the text itself, study critical interpretations, and explore the various performances and adaptations of Romeo and Juliet.