Oppression Of Love In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

Written by William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet is a famous story regarding the forbidden love between the children of two rivalling families, whose tragic deaths were the only way to end the disunity. In the story, Juliet is pursued by two men; Romeo, the son of her family’s sworn enemies, and Paris, the Prince of Verona’s kinsman. Although Romeo and Paris differ in personalities, their love for Juliet makes them alike.

Romeo is a young, impulsive character who has an unfledged understanding of love. His naivety is indicated in Act 1, Scene 1, when readers discover that Rosaline rejected Romeo’s advancements. While he tries to display his affections by complimenting her, giving her loving looks, and buying her gifts, he fails to win her heart.

His patient and mature personality contrasts with Romeo’s impulsiveness and sensitivity. Unlike Romeo, he is able to bear people acting coldly towards him, and he does not take rejections to heart. In Act 4, Scene 1, Juliet meets Paris for the first time and is quick to develop a snappy attitude towards him. Despite this, he continues to reply in a light, unaffected manner, revealing his maturity and tolerance towards her attitude. Additionally, Paris is patient and understanding. In Act 1, Scene 2, Capulet tells him to wait two more years to court Juliet because she is still young, and Paris respects his decision. His understanding nature is demonstrated in Act 3, Scene 4 when he halts in his advances towards Juliet to allow her to mourn for Tybalt. He is mindful towards other people’s emotions and thinks his actions through. Furthermore, while Paris has been depicted throughout the story as an obedient, courteous gentleman who stays out of trouble, he is willing to object the rules for Juliet. Initially, he always checked with others before doing anything, such as in Act 1, Scene 2 when he confirms with Capulet about courting Juliet, and obeys Juliet’s father when he tells him to wai. However, in Act 5, Scene 3, he sneaks into the Capulet monument to visit Juliet, despite the possibility of being caught by the watchmen. Albeit a reserved and passive character, Paris is willing to take a risk for the person he