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.
Throughout William Shakespeare's play, Romeo and Juliet, two men, Paris and Romeo, both love Juliet, but their attitudes, actions, and beliefs regarding love, traditions, and fidelity could not be more different. Paris, a nobleman engaged to Juliet by her parents, represents tradition and duty, while Romeo, a passionate young man, represents rebellion and impulsiveness. Despite their differences, both men meet tragic ends by the conclusion of the play.
In terms of their attitudes toward love, Paris embodies a more traditional and conventional approach. He respects the arranged marriage with Juliet and seems to genuinely care for her, albeit in a more formal sense. On the other hand, Romeo experiences love as a passionate and all-consuming emotion. His love for Juliet causes him to defy societal expectations and even his own family in order to be with her. This stark contrast in their attitudes toward love ultimately leads to different outcomes for both characters.
Additionally, Paris and Romeo differ in their views on traditions. Paris adheres to the customs and expectations of his society, never questioning or challenging them. He willingly accepts his engagement to Juliet as a duty to his family and the Capulets. Romeo, however, rebels against the traditions that dictate who he can and cannot love. He defies the feud between the Montagues and Capulets and risks everything for Juliet, showing that he values love and passion over tradition and status.
Furthermore, fidelity plays a role in the lives of both Paris and Romeo. Paris remains loyal to Juliet throughout the play, despite her obvious love for Romeo. He stands by her side and even meets his demise trying to protect her honor. Romeo, on the other hand, struggles with fidelity, as he falls in and out of love with different women throughout the play. His impulsive nature and reckless behavior ultimately lead to tragic consequences for himself and those around him.
In terms of their actions, both Paris and Romeo ultimately meet tragic ends. Paris dies in a duel with Romeo, defending Juliet's tomb, while Romeo tragically takes his own life upon finding Juliet apparently dead. Despite their different approaches to love and loyalty, both men are united in their love for Juliet and their untimely deaths as a result of the feud between their families.
In conclusion, Paris and Romeo may both love Juliet, but their differing attitudes toward love, traditions, and fidelity ultimately lead to their tragic fates. Paris represents tradition and duty, while Romeo represents passion and rebellion. Despite their differences, both men are united in their love for Juliet and their ultimate sacrifice for that love. The deaths of Paris and Romeo serve as a poignant reminder of the power of love and the destructive nature of hate and feuds.