Discussion Topic
Comparison of Paris in Romeo and Juliet to Paris in the Iliad
Summary:
Both Paris in Romeo and Juliet and Paris in the Iliad are involved in romantic pursuits, but they differ significantly in character. Paris in the Iliad is often seen as cowardly and irresponsible, causing the Trojan War by abducting Helen. In contrast, Paris in Romeo and Juliet is portrayed as noble and honorable, seeking Juliet's hand in marriage with genuine intentions.
How does Paris in Romeo and Juliet compare to Paris in the Iliad?
The short answer? He isn't much like him at all. In both texts, the two men known as Paris are most known for how they court and seduce the women they are interested in. In this, they couldn't go about it more differently. While Paris in the Iliad comes as a guest to Menelaus's court and then steals away with his wife Helen in the dead of night, Paris in Romeo and Juliet follows all of the proper customs for courtship and marriage, approaching Juliet's father to state his intentions and receive permission before even speaking to Juliet herself. Romeo and Juliet Paris is the epitome of respectability and etiquette, while Iliad Paris is far more impetuous and self-interested.
However, there is a strong character comparison between Iliad Paris (who I'll just call Paris from now on) and Romeo. Romeo's courtship methods are much more similar to Paris's sneaky methods. Romeo...
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sneaks into the garden beneath Juliet's balcony after they meet at the Capulet party and tries to seduce her there, later marrying her (not to mention consummating the marriage) in secret. Both Romeo and Paris eschew social customs to pursue their beloved.
Additionally, both Romeo and Paris are known for their "lover, not a fighter" attitudes. Even before meeting Juliet, Romeo doesn't seem that active in the feud between Montague and Capulet, and he is especially peaceful after, stepping between Mercutio and Tybalt as they fight. Likewise, Paris is constantly chastised for lying around with Helen while his brothers and the other men of Troy go out and fight his war for him. Even when he does fight, he uses the cowardly weapon of a bow and is more concerned with looking cool than actual strategy and combat.
Finally, as both of the men's wooing proves, they are both of a reckless nature, often acting before they think. Consider Romeo drinking poison immediately upon seeing Juliet's body and Paris choosing a goddess to give the golden apple to in the first place, knowing that he'll be angering two others.