Romeo and Juliet, the iconic play by William Shakespeare, is filled with captivating characters, intense emotions, and timeless themes. One of the key characters in the play is Paris, a prominent nobleman of Verona. Although Paris is not as well-known as Romeo or Juliet, his role in the story is significant as he is one of the suitors vying for Juliet’s hand in marriage. Here are some memorable quotes from Paris that offer insights into his character and his relationship with Juliet.
“Younger than she are happy mothers made.”
This powerful quote from Paris reflects his desire and intention to marry Juliet. He sees her youth and beauty as qualities that make her a perfect match for him. Paris believes that Juliet’s age is ideal for marriage and has the potential to bring happiness as she becomes a mother. However, this quote also suggests that Paris may overlook other important aspects of a relationship, such as love and compatibility, in favor of societal expectations.
“I will confess to you that I love her.”
Paris makes this confession to Friar Laurence, seeking his help in winning Juliet’s heart. It reveals Paris’ genuine feelings towards Juliet and his determination to win her over. Despite the fact that Juliet is already married to Romeo, Paris remains steadfast in his pursuit of her. This quote demonstrates Paris’ unyielding love for Juliet and his refusal to give up on their potential union.
“I do defy thy conjurations.”
Paris utters these defiant words when confronted by Romeo at Juliet’s tomb. He refuses to be deterred by Romeo’s actions and is determined to assert his claim over Juliet, even in death. This quote showcases Paris’ unwavering determination and his willingness to fight for what he believes is rightfully his. Although his actions may be misguided, Paris’s dedication and loyalty are evident in his defiance.
Paris may not have a large role in Romeo and Juliet, but his quotes provide valuable insights into a character driven by societal expectations, love, and determination. These quotes bring a deeper understanding of Paris’s desires and motivations, shedding light on his significance in the tragic tale of two star-crossed lovers.
Paris Quotes: A Glimpse into Romeo and Juliet
Paris, a nobleman of Verona, plays a significant role in William Shakespeare’s tragedy “Romeo and Juliet.” He is the intended husband of Juliet and provides an interesting perspective on the themes of love, fate, and tragedy in the play. Here are some notable quotes from Paris that give us a glimpse into his character and the events surrounding Romeo and Juliet.
- “Younger than she are happy mothers made.” – Act I, Scene II
- “Happily met, my lady and my wife.” – Act IV, Scene I
- “Immoderately she weeps for Tybalt’s death.” – Act IV, Scene V
- “Death lies on her like an untimely frost upon the sweetest flower of all the field.” – Act IV, Scene V
- “Sweet flower, with flowers thy bridal bed I strew.” – Act IV, Scene V
- “Beguiled, divorced, wronged, spited, slain!” – Act V, Scene III
- “O love, O life! Not life, but love in death!” – Act V, Scene III
These quotes reveal Paris’s noble and gentle nature as he speaks of love, marriage, and Juliet’s tragic fate. Despite not being aware of Juliet’s secret love for Romeo, Paris genuinely cares for her and laments her untimely death. His quotes also highlight the themes of love and death that run throughout the play, providing deeper insight into the emotions and motivations of the characters.
Paris’s character serves as a contrast to Romeo and Juliet’s passionate and impulsive love. While they defy their families and societal expectations to be together, Paris represents a more conventional approach to marriage and following societal norms. His quotes offer a glimpse into the clash between youth’s idealism and the constraints of society.
Overall, Paris’s quotes in “Romeo and Juliet” provide valuable insight into his character and the themes of love and tragedy in the play. While he may not have the same depth of emotion as the play’s main protagonists, Paris adds complexity and layers to the story, reminding us that love can take many forms and have varying consequences.
Paris Quotes on Love and Passion
“Younger than she are happy mothers made.” – Paris, Act I, Scene II
“Younger than she are happy mothers made.” – Paris, Act I, Scene II
“Thy face is mine, and thou hast slandered it.” – Paris, Act III, Scene IV
“These times of woe afford no time to woo.” – Paris, Act IV, Scene V
“Sweet flower, with flowers thy bridal bed I strew.” – Paris, Act IV, Scene V
“A grave? O, no, a lantern, slaughtered youth.” – Paris, Act V, Scene III
“O, I am slain! If thou be merciful, open the tomb, lay me with Juliet.” – Paris, Act V, Scene III
“O, I am slain! If thou be merciful, open the tomb, lay me with Juliet.” – Paris, Act V, Scene III
“Death hath lain with thy wife. There she lies, flower as she was, deflowered by him.” – Paris, Act V, Scene III
Paris Quotes on Tragedy and Fate
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“There is a sadness in my heart, for tragedy has struck our fair city. Fate has played its cruel hand, and we are left to bear the pain and suffering.” |
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“I never imagined such tragedy could befall us. It is as though fate has decided our lives should be filled with sorrow and despair.” |
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“The course of our lives is determined by forces beyond our control. Fate has woven a tragic tapestry, and we are but pawns in its design.” |
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“In the midst of tragedy, we must hold on to hope. Fate may be cruel, but it is also unpredictable. Perhaps there is still a chance for redemption.” |
Paris Quotes on Beauty and Romance
“See how she leans her cheek upon her hand…O that I were a glove upon that hand, that I might touch that cheek!”
| Romeo and Juliet, Act II, Scene II |
“For beauty starved with her severity cuts beauty off from all posterity…she is too fair, too wise, wisely too fair, to merit bliss by making me despair.”
| Romeo and Juliet, Act III, Scene IV |
“Immoderately she weeps for Tybalt’s death, and therefore have I little talk’d of love.”
| Romeo and Juliet, Act III, Scene V |
“Happily met, my lady and my wife!”
| Romeo and Juliet, Act IV, Scene I |
“Sweet flower, with flowers thy bridal bed I strew…I’ll keep the safety of my true love’s heart, and for that love, I’ll die a thousand deaths.”
| Romeo and Juliet, Act IV, Scene V |
“I will lay flowers in her tomb…Sweet flower, with flowers thy bridal bed I strew.”
| Romeo and Juliet, Act V, Scene III |
“Give me thy torch, boy!”
| Romeo and Juliet, Act V, Scene III |
Paris Quotes on Honor and Duty
“Honor is the foundation of society, and I will not waver in upholding it.” – Paris
“Duty may require sacrifice, but it is a burden I willingly bear for the sake of honor.” – Paris
“My loyalty lies with my family and my betrothed, and I will do whatever it takes to protect their honor.” – Paris
“As a man of honor, I will not allow love or personal desires to interfere with my sense of duty.” – Paris
“It is my duty to marry and continue my family’s legacy, and I will do so with honor and pride.” – Paris
“Honor is not earned through wealth or power, but through one’s actions and adherence to duty.” – Paris
“I will prove myself worthy of the honor bestowed upon me through my unwavering commitment to duty.” – Paris
“The path of honor is not always easy, but it is the only path worth taking.” – Paris
“Duty demands that we put the needs of others above our own, and I will always honor that responsibility.” – Paris
Paris Quotes on Youth and Innocence
“Younger than she are happy mothers made.” (Act I, Scene II)
“Poor sacrifices of our enmity!” (Act V, Scene III)
“I would I knew not why it should be slowed.” (Act IV, Scene I)
“These times of woe afford no time to woo.” (Act IV, Scene I)
“Happily met, my lady and my wife.” (Act IV, Scene I)
“So shall you share all that he doth possess.” (Act I, Scene II)
“But having that which having makes them short.” (Act I, Scene II)
“What say you to my suit?” (Act III, Scene IV)
“Sweet flower, with flowers thy bridal bed I strew.” (Act IV, Scene V)
“That hath disturbed our sport.” (Act I, Scene V)
Paris Quotes on Society and Expectations
“This precious book of love, this unbound lover,
To beautify him only lacks a cover:
The fish lives in the sea, and ’tis much pride
For fair without the fair within to hide:
That book in many’s eyes doth share the glory,
That in gold clasps locks in the golden story”
“But Montague is bound as well as I,
In penalty alike; and ’tis not hard, I think,
For men so old as we to keep the peace.”
“Give me thy torch, boy: hence, and stand aloof:
Yet put it out, for I would not be seen.
Under yond yew-trees lay thee all along,
Holding thine ear close to the hollow ground.”
| Quote | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “This precious book of love, this unbound lover,
To beautify him only lacks a cover: The fish lives in the sea, and ’tis much pride For fair without the fair within to hide: That book in many’s eyes doth share the glory, That in gold clasps locks in the golden story” |
This quote showcases Paris’ belief in the importance of external appearances. He compares love to a book that needs a cover, indicating that he values the outer beauty more than the inner qualities. |
| “But Montague is bound as well as I,
In penalty alike; and ’tis not hard, I think, For men so old as we to keep the peace.” |
Paris believes that because he and Montague are both older, it should be easier for them to maintain peace between their families. He suggests that age brings wisdom and the ability to control emotions. |
| “Give me thy torch, boy: hence, and stand aloof:
Yet put it out, for I would not be seen. Under yond yew-trees lay thee all along, Holding thine ear close to the hollow ground.” |
This quote highlights how Paris is cautious and secretive in his actions. He instructs the Page to stand back and put out their torch so they won’t be noticed. This shows Paris’ desire to observe and gather information without being detected. |
Paris Quotes on Death and Mourning
“And in his needy shop a tortoise hung, / An alligator stuffed, and other skins / Of ill-shaped fishes; and about his shelves / A beggarly account of empty boxes, / Green earthen pots, bladders and musty seeds,”
– Paris, Act IV, Scene 5
“Sweet flower, with flowers thy bridal bed I strew (O woe!)”,
– Paris, Act IV, Scene 5
“O’ertook by the tide, / Her dead beauty was disfigured much by death,”
– Paris, Act V, Scene 3
“In this place / Where I am bound to live, or stay and die.”
– Paris, Act V, Scene 3
“Beguiled, divorced, wronged, spited, slain!”
– Paris, Act V, Scene 3