Comparing Paris In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

In the play, Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare, the Nurse says, “A man, young lady! Lady, such a man As all the world– Why, he’s a man of wax.... Nay, he’s a flower, in faith– a very flower” (Shakespeare, 820). After discussing Paris with Juliet Capulet’s mother, Lady Capulet, the Nurse expresses her fondness towards Paris as a potential husband for Juliet. With past disregard for marriage, Juliet’s choice of a husband was brought to mind with concern. After meeting Romeo Montague, Juliet cultivates an interest towards him, but bids to resist due to the family feud with the Montagues. In comparison to Paris, Romeo is ignorant, impulsive, and indecisive through his actions. Paris is the more prominent suitor for Juliet’s hand in marriage; although sharing common attributes with Romeo, yet differing in maturity, loyalty, and decisiveness.
A noticeable distinction between the two of them is their age. William Shakespeare does not state Romeo’s exact age, but we believe he is somewhat older than Juliet. Compared to Paris, Romeo is very immature and indecisive, which shows the age gap between them. At the time, it was typical for a young girl, at the age of 14, to marry a man in his 20’s or 30’s. With Paris’ age and morals, Capulet approves of him marrying Juliet. With Paris’ loyalty towards his love for Juliet, the marriage would have a stronger chance of lasting compared to Romeo, who is very indecisive with his heart. Before Romeo fell in love with Juliet, he was obsessed with his past love, Rosaline. After Romeo separated from Rosaline he cried out, “Feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health, still-waking sleep, that is not what it is! This love feel I, that feel no love in this” (Shakespeare 813). In this quote, Romeo explains all the aching he went through after Rosaline left. Even though this had occurred to him, he