Examples Of Foils In Romeo And Juliet

Throughout Romeo and Juliet By William Shakespeare Romeo is interacting with the other high class families, the Capulets and the Royal family. And though some people from other families disrespect Romeo for being a Montague, Romeo never does the same. He treats all the people the same, even if they are the enemy in the family feud. Shakespeare uses Tybalt, and Paris as foils for Romeo to show how he treats all people as equals.

Tybalt of the Capulet family always resorts to violence when he sees a Montague, while Romeo of the Montagues only sees Tybalt as a person. In an act of anger, Tybalt challenges Romeo to a duel. However instead of accepting Romeo responds with:¨Villain I am none. Therefore farewell. I see thou know'st me not.¨( 3.1.65-66).

When Juliet is pretending to be dead in the Capulet monument, Paris comes to see her, and Romeo is there to die. Though before getting to the monument Paris stops Romeo with :“Condemned villain, I do apprehend thee! Obey and come with me, for thou must die.”( 5.3.55-56). Romeo responds with :“I must indeed therefore I came hither. Good gentle youth, tempt not a desperate man.” (5.3.58-59). The two of them are showing off the others good side, while also showing off their own. Paris instead of threatening him,tries to persuade Romeo to come with him. He should be violent, and angry a Montague is here to disrespect his love. Romeo is just the same, instead of being angry, hae merely asks Paris to move, and not to tempt him into doing something crazy. After Romeo refuses to fight Paris pulls his sword out, and fights with Romeo , only to get stabbed his final words: “ O,I am slain. If thou be merciful open the tomb and lay me with my Juliet”( 5.3.72-73). Romeo answers only after Paris is dead : “ In faith I will. Let me peruse this face Mercutio’s kinsman County Paris.”(5.3.74-75). Even in the end both treat the other with full respect, Romeo with his word he will fill the last request, and Paris knowing it okay to ask Romeo of his last wish. Til the very end they don’t give into pitiful