Paris, a nobleman and kinsman of the Prince of Verona, is a character in William Shakespeare’s tragedy, “Romeo and Juliet.” While he may not be as prominent as the titular characters, Paris plays an essential role in the play’s tragic ending. Throughout the play, Paris symbolizes various themes and ideas that contribute to the overall message of the play.
The Symbolism of Paris’ Character
Paris is first introduced in Act I, Scene II when Capulet discusses his potential marriage to Juliet with him. He is depicted as a wealthy and respectable man who wants to marry Juliet for her beauty and social status.
In this sense, Paris symbolizes the societal expectations of marriage during Shakespeare’s time. Marriage was often seen as a means to secure wealth and status rather than an act of love.
However, Paris’ character takes on a more significant symbolic meaning later in the play. After Romeo kills Tybalt in Act III, he is banished from Verona.
Capulet decides that Juliet should marry Paris to distract her from Romeo’s absence and to strengthen their family’s social standing. In this context, Paris represents authority figures who value tradition over individual happiness.
The Conflict between Tradition and Love
The conflict between tradition and love is one of the central themes in “Romeo and Juliet.” The feud between the Montagues and Capulets represents tradition while Romeo and Juliet’s love represents individual desire. Paris serves as a representation of tradition throughout the play.
When Juliet refuses to marry him in Act IV, Scene I, he becomes angry and threatens her with physical violence. This scene highlights how those who value tradition over individual happiness can become controlling and abusive towards those who do not conform to their expectations.
The Tragic End
In Act V, Scene III, Paris confronts Romeo at Juliet’s tomb after mistakenly believing Romeo intends to defile her grave. The two men fight, and Paris is killed. His death represents the tragic consequences of those who value tradition over individual desire.
Paris’ character symbolizes the societal expectations of marriage during Shakespeare’s time, the conflict between tradition and love, and the tragic consequences of valuing tradition over individual happiness. Through his character, Shakespeare highlights how societal expectations can lead to controlling and abusive behavior and ultimately result in tragedy.
- Conclusion: Paris plays an essential role in “Romeo and Juliet” as a symbolic representation of societal expectations, authority figures who value tradition over individual happiness, and the tragic consequences that follow. Through his character, Shakespeare emphasizes the importance of individual desire and warns against blindly following societal norms.