What Does but Woo Her Gentle Paris Get Her Heart Mean?

By Alice Nichols

Have you ever come across the phrase, “but woo her gentle Paris, get her heart”? It’s a line from William Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet.”

This phrase has been interpreted in many ways, and it has sparked much debate among scholars. In this article, we will explore the meaning of this phrase and what it means for the story of Romeo and Juliet.

Background

“Romeo and Juliet” is a tragic love story that was written by William Shakespeare in the late 16th century. The play is about two young lovers from rival families who fall in love but are kept apart by their families’ feud. The play ends tragically with the death of both Romeo and Juliet.

The Context of the Phrase

In Act I, Scene II of “Romeo and Juliet,” Paris, a nobleman, asks Capulet for his daughter Juliet’s hand in marriage. Capulet is hesitant to agree as he believes that Juliet is too young to marry. He tells Paris that he should wait two years before asking again.

Paris then says to Capulet:

“But woo her gentle Paris, get her heart,
My will to her consent is but a part.”

This line has been interpreted in many ways over time.

Interpretations

One interpretation of this line is that Paris is telling Capulet to court Juliet gently and win her heart. He believes that if he can win her heart, she will consent to marrying him. This interpretation suggests that Paris genuinely cares for Juliet and wants to make sure that she loves him before they get married.

Another interpretation is that Paris is being manipulative. He knows that Capulet’s approval is necessary for him to marry Juliet.

So he tells Capulet what he wants to hear – that he will woo Juliet gently – in order to gain his approval. This interpretation suggests that Paris is not really interested in Juliet as a person but rather as a means to gain power and status.

The Significance of the Phrase

The phrase “but woo her gentle Paris, get her heart” is significant in the context of the play because it highlights the theme of love. The play is all about the power of love and how it can bring people together or tear them apart. Paris’s words suggest that he believes in the power of love and wants to win Juliet’s heart before marrying her.

However, the phrase can also be seen as ironic given what happens later in the play. Romeo, who truly loves Juliet, wins her heart without any manipulative tactics. On the other hand, Paris’s attempts to win Juliet’s heart are unsuccessful, and she never truly loves him.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the phrase “but woo her gentle Paris, get her heart” has been interpreted in many ways over time. Some see it as a genuine expression of love while others see it as manipulative. Regardless of its interpretation, this phrase is significant in the context of “Romeo and Juliet” because it highlights the theme of love and its power to bring people together or tear them apart.