Summary
Highlights
Paris is introduced as a 'young nobleman, kinsmen to the prince' and first appears in Act 1, Scene 2. Shakespeare initially presents him as selfish and insensitive, as he quickly pivots the conversation with Lord Capulet to his suit for Juliet's hand, despite recent tragic events. Capulet indicates this isn't Paris's first proposal.
A modern audience might find Paris's approach to Capulet, rather than Juliet, strange. However, in Elizabethan England, arranged marriages were common for the upper classes, making his actions socially acceptable at the time. Capulet suggests waiting two more years for Juliet to marry, but Paris dismisses this, noting that younger mothers are common. He also appears unable to read social cues in Act 3, Scene 4, failing to understand Capulet's hints that he should leave.
In Act 4, Scene 1, during his first encounter with Juliet, Paris calls her 'my lady' and 'my wife' even though they are not yet married, displaying presumptuousness. He also states 'thy face is mine and thou hast slandered it,' showing a possessive attitude. While today this seems detestable, in Shakespeare's time, a wife became her husband's legal property.
Shakespeare frequently draws parallels between Paris and Romeo. Both are advised to 'look at other beautiful women' and are described with the 'man of wax' metaphor. Friar Lawrence cautions both characters against their hasty pursuit of Juliet, using similar phrasing. Both also wait for Juliet in Friar Lawrence's cell and visit Juliet's tomb at the same time.
These parallels highlight the theme of fate, suggesting that if not for Romeo's Montague lineage, he might have pursued Juliet in the same socially accepted manner as Paris, intensifying the tragedy of the star-crossed lovers.
In Act 5, Paris's character becomes more heroic. He truly cares for Juliet, bringing flowers to her tomb. Believing Romeo intends to desecrate the tomb, Paris fights him, exhibiting bravery. His dying wish is to be laid with Juliet, which Romeo honors. Romeo even acknowledges their similar fates, suggesting they are both 'writ with me in sour misfortune's book'.
According to Kent Cartwright, Paris's role as Romeo's antagonist, taking over from Tybalt, is crucial. This shift keeps the dramatic tension high. Shakespeare transforms the previously one-dimensional Paris into a brave and heroic character, willing to fight to the death to defend Juliet's honor, making him a more significant figure as the play concludes.