Metamorphosis In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

In the beginning of the play Romeo and Juliet, Count Paris Escalus is often viewed as the main antagonist, while Romeo Montague is conversely seen as the main protagonist. However, as the play progresses and Juliet Capulet perishes to the belief of almost everyone, Paris and Romeo change their actions and views during a seizure of depression and anguish. Within the first act of the play, Shakespeare introduces these two as very distinct characters who strive to attain Juliet’s trust and love. The two competing bachelors possess almost contradictory personal views, which help and hinder them in their quest for true love. More specifically, they undergo a switch of mentality on their views of pride, love, and life upon meeting Juliet and after

When their pride is challenged, Romeo becomes somewhat selfish from a previous altruistic view, whereas Paris experiences the exact opposite in the moments leading up to his death. Secondly, when their love is challenged, Romeo gives off true love for his wife, while Paris only cares for her beauty and marital functions. But when she dies, Romeo loves her too much to think correctly and ends up killing himself, and Paris reveals his true feelings for Juliet when alone at her tomb. Lastly when their will to live is challenged, Paris and Romeo view life as monotonous and with little to no purpose, but Romeo finds his life purpose in meeting and being with Juliet, leading to a loss of meaning when she dies. Paris, however, continues to find meaning in praying and visiting her tomb to grieve and release his condolences to her. A lot of theory can be established with these two characters and their actions, with major emotional changes and depression in life. Some argue that Paris at the end of the book is very similar to Romeo in the beginning, and Juliet’s death could quite possibly be the equivalent of Rosaline’s chastity denial to Romeo. And sometimes, true tragedy leads to the best and worst men to change for the better or for the