Count Paris

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In William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Count Paris is a suitor of Juliet's. Paris makes his first appearance in Act I, Scene II, wherein he expresses his wishes to marry Juliet. Lord Capulet demurs, citing his daughter's young age as a reason and telling him to wait until she is more mature. All the same, he invites Paris to attend the ball the family is holding that evening and to attract Juliet's attention.

Although Paris is not as developed as other characters in the play, he is important for two distinct reasons. First, he stands as a complication in the development of Romeo and Juliet's relationship. Second, his love of Juliet stands as an important counterpoint to Romeo's impetuous love. In Act V, Scene III, Paris visits the graveyard to quietly and privately mourn the loss of his would-be fiancée. His steady, mature love for Juliet—while subtly portrayed by Shakespeare—provides an alternative to Romeo's immature, highly impassioned love for her.^{[[Citing sources citation needed]]}

Paris is young man and of high social standing.^[link] As such, Lord Capulet would likely see this marriage as socially-advantageous, placing her and her children in a higher social rank. In addition, it is likely that he has a steady source of income, since he is titled. This contrasts with the younger Romeo, who apparently has not yet found a career, although he will most likely inherit his father's title, money, and duties.

In the original play, Paris dies at the hands of Romeo, but many stage performances, and most film adaptations, leave out this event.

See also

Count of Paris, a real title held by members of the French royal family

References

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