t is generally accepted that Romeo and Juliet is set in the 1300s. In the 14th century, aristocratic families in Europe often required their young daughters to marry successful older men in order to solidify the family's position and wealth. Girls were considered eligible at the age of 14 and had to give their consent to a marriage. In Romeo and Juliet, Paris is the man that Lord and Lady Capulet want Juliet to marry. He is a count and is related to Escalus, the Prince of Verona. We are first introduced to him in Act I, scene 2 when he asks Lord Capulet if he can marry Juliet, even though she is not fourteen yet. Lord Capulet says he thinks she is too young and may be 'marred' by an early marriage. When Paris asserts his case, saying that there are younger girls who are married mothers, Lord Capulet says he can attend the feast he is having that evening to see if Juliet is interested.
In Act I, Scene 3, Lady Capulet comes to Juliet's room to tell her that ''the valiant Paris seeks you for his love.'' Even though Lady Capulet and the Nurse are excited about the pursuit of such a distinguished suitor, Juliet replies that she will meet him only to see if she is interested but doesn't promise she will like him. It is agreed that Juliet will formally meet Paris at the party thrown by her parents that evening.
Over Before it Began
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Instead, Juliet meets Romeo there and the romance of the 'star-crossed lovers' takes off. We next see Paris in Act III, Scene 4 when he dutifully comes to pay his respects to Lord Capulet after the murder of Tybalt, Juliet's cousin. Capulet explains that with the recent family upheaval they have not had a chance to convince Juliet to marry him. At the end of the scene, Juliet's father, confident that she will obey him, promises Paris that the two can marry three days later. Neither of the men are aware that Juliet is already married to