What Does Paris Say to Juliet?
Paris, a nobleman of Verona, plays a significant role in William Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. Throughout the play, Paris expresses his love and admiration for Juliet, seeking her hand in marriage.
However, his intentions are met with resistance from Juliet herself as she is already deeply in love with Romeo. Let’s explore the conversations between Paris and Juliet and gain a better understanding of their relationship.
The Introduction
As the play unfolds, we are introduced to Paris when Lord Capulet expresses his desire for Juliet to marry him. In Act I, Scene II, Capulet tells Paris that he must win Juliet’s heart before they can proceed with the marriage arrangements:
“But woo her, gentle Paris; get her heart;
My will to her consent is but a part.”
Here, we see Capulet encouraging Paris to win over Juliet’s affection rather than impose his desire upon her. This sets the stage for Paris’ attempts to court Juliet.
A Proposal Made
In Act I, Scene III, we witness Paris proposing to Lord Capulet in hopes of gaining his approval for their union. He speaks highly of Juliet:
“Younger than she are happy mothers made.”
This line emphasizes that despite Juliet’s young age, she possesses qualities that make her suitable for marriage. It also showcases how highly Paris regards her.
A Dance and an Invitation
In Act I, Scene V, during the famous Capulet ball where Romeo and Juliet meet for the first time, Paris approaches Lord Capulet to express his interest in marrying Juliet:
“This, by his voice, should be a Montague.”
Paris is initially suspicious of Romeo’s presence at the ball since he recognizes him as a member of the rival Montague family. However, he quickly moves on and focuses his attention on Juliet. He asks her to dance and continues expressing his love for her throughout their brief conversation.
A Persistent Suitor
In Act III, Scene IV, Paris once again approaches Lord Capulet to discuss his desire to marry Juliet:
“Sir Paris, I will make a desperate tender
Of my child’s love.”
Paris is determined to win Juliet over despite her reluctance. He believes that by marrying her, he can provide her with a secure future.
The Final Conversation
In Act IV, Scene I, we witness Paris and Juliet’s final conversation before their intended wedding. Juliet expresses her sorrow and refusal to marry him:
“I pray you, tell my lord and father madam,
I will not marry yet; and when I do, I swear,
It shall be Romeo whom you know I hate.”
In this powerful scene, Juliet makes it clear that she will not marry Paris as her heart already belongs to Romeo. This leads to a series of events that ultimately end in tragedy.
The Conclusion
Paris’ love for Juliet is unrequited throughout the play. Despite his persistence and good intentions, Juliet remains steadfast in her love for Romeo. Their interactions highlight the complexity of the play’s central theme: the power of love and its ability to conquer all obstacles.
In conclusion, Paris’ conversations with Juliet serve to add depth and tension to the story of Romeo and Juliet. Through their exchanges, we gain insight into the dynamics of their relationship and witness the unwavering devotion that Juliet has for Romeo.
Shakespeare masterfully weaves these conversations into the play, creating a compelling narrative that explores the complexities of love, loyalty, and the consequences of impulsive actions.