In Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, Count Paris is a young nobleman admired by his peers and townspeople. In the play, Paris is a better suitor for Juliet and is a foil to Romeo. Count Paris is a handsome young man who has interest in marrying Juliet. When Paris first speaks in the play, he pleads his case to a wealthy businessman, Capulet. Capulet is the father of thirteen-year-old Juliet, who Paris is attempting to marry. Capulet is initially hesitant and tells Paris to, “let two more summers wither in their pride” (1. 2. 10), but with a witty response, Paris says, “younger than she are happy mothers made” (1. 2. 11). Capulet is convinced by Paris’s words and their conversation ends with Capulet declaring that a party will be held to celebrate his daughter’s marriage. Capulet has invited, “many a guest… I love” (1.1. 22-23), suggesting that Capulet has high regard for Paris. Paris is a societal paragon; therefore, Juliet would have no issues marrying. …show more content…
Juliet’s relationship with her is formal and respectful. Capulet’s wife describes Paris as “valiant” and boldly claims, “Verona’s summer hath not such a flower” (1. 3. 74-77). Asserting that Paris is more pleasant than any flower within the borders of Verona. Juliet describes marriage as, “an honor that I dream not of” (1. 3. 67). That the thought of marriage has never occurred in her mind until this conversation, but when Nurse, Juliet’s close confidant and personal attendant, describes Paris as, “a man of wax” (1. 3. 76), Juliet’s mind is quickly changed. The phrase, “man of wax,” illustrates Paris’s outstanding reputation among his community. It is an expression that describes a commendable person (OED s.v. “man of wax”). Nurse’s description of Paris influences Juliet to reconsider her original thoughts regarding Paris, albeit she is not in love with