Is Romeo Older Than Paris?

By Alice Nichols

Is Romeo Older Than Paris?

One of the most popular and enduring love stories of all time is undoubtedly William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” The play tells the tale of two star-crossed lovers, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, whose families are sworn enemies. However, amidst all the drama and tragedy, there is one question that often comes up: Is Romeo older than Paris?

The Characters

Before we dive into the answer to this question, let’s first take a closer look at the two characters in question.

Romeo Montague

Romeo Montague is the male protagonist in “Romeo and Juliet.” He is a young man from the Montague family who falls in love with Juliet Capulet.

Count Paris

Count Paris is a nobleman from Verona who is seeking to marry Juliet Capulet. He is presented as a suitor for Juliet by her father, Lord Capulet.

The Answer

To answer the question, we need to look at what we know about each character’s age.

  • Romeo’s age is never explicitly stated in the play, but it can be inferred that he is likely around 16 or 17 years old. This assumption comes from his status as an unmarried youth who has not yet reached adulthood.
  • Count Paris’ age is also not explicitly stated in the play. However, given his status as a count and his desire to marry Juliet, it can be assumed that he is much older than Romeo – likely in his late twenties or early thirties.

So there you have it – Romeo is indeed younger than Count Paris.

Why Does It Matter?

You might be wondering why the age difference between Romeo and Paris is even worth discussing. After all, it doesn’t really have any significant impact on the plot of “Romeo and Juliet.” However, understanding the ages of these characters can help us better understand their motivations and actions throughout the play.

For instance, Romeo’s youth and inexperience may explain why he is so impulsive in his actions towards Juliet. Meanwhile, Paris’ age and status as a wealthy nobleman may help us understand why he is so confident in his pursuit of Juliet.

Conclusion

While “Romeo and Juliet” is a timeless love story, it’s important to remember that there are many nuances to the characters and their relationships that can be overlooked. By understanding the age difference between Romeo and Paris, we gain a deeper insight into their personalities and motivations. So next time you read the play or watch a performance, keep this little factoid in mind!