How Is Paris Presented in Romeo and Juliet?

By Robert Palmer

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is a timeless classic that has been studied and performed for centuries. The play takes place in the city of Verona, Italy, but it is Paris, France that is presented as a symbol of elegance and civilization. In this article, we will explore how Paris is portrayed in Romeo and Juliet.

Paris – A Symbol of Culture and Refinement

Paris represents the pinnacle of culture and refinement in Romeo and Juliet. In Act 1, Scene 2, Lord Capulet describes Paris as “a man of wax” which implies that he is perfect in every way – physically attractive, well-spoken, educated, and refined. Lady Capulet also praises Paris’s virtues when she encourages Juliet to consider him as her potential husband.

Paris’s Love for Juliet

Paris’s love for Juliet serves as a contrast to Romeo’s love for her. While Romeo’s love is passionate and intense, Paris’s love seems more practical and rational.

He wants to marry Juliet because she is wealthy and comes from a noble family. However, it can be argued that Paris truly cares for Juliet in his own way.

The Role of Paris in the Tragedy

Despite his positive portrayal as a cultured gentleman who genuinely loves Juliet, Paris ultimately becomes one of the casualties of the tragic story. In Act 5, Scene 3, he meets Romeo at the Capulet tomb where they engage in a fierce fight resulting in Paris being killed by Romeo.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Shakespeare presents Paris as a symbol of culture and refinement in Romeo and Juliet. He contrasts with Romeo’s passionate love for Juliet with his more practical approach to marriage. Despite his positive portrayal throughout most of the play, he ultimately becomes one of the tragic casualties in the story.

  • Bold text: Paris represents the pinnacle of culture and refinement in Romeo and Juliet.
  • Underlined text: Despite his positive portrayal as a cultured gentleman who genuinely loves Juliet, Paris ultimately becomes one of the casualties of the tragic story.
  • Subheaders:

    Paris – A Symbol of Culture and Refinement

    ,

    Paris’s Love for Juliet

    , and

    The Role of Paris in the Tragedy

Overall, Shakespeare’s portrayal of Paris in Romeo and Juliet adds depth to the story as a whole. His presentation of Paris as a cultured gentleman that genuinely cares for Juliet serves to contrast with Romeo’s passionate love. Additionally, his tragic end lends further weight to the play’s overall sense of tragedy.