How Old Was Paris In Romeo And Juliet

So, you've been wondering, "How old was Paris in Romeo and Juliet?" Well, buckle up, because we're about to dive into the world of Shakespearean dating, and let me tell you, it's a whole different ball game from swiping right on Tinder.

Romeo's Not-So-Secret Admirer

First things first, let's meet our man, Paris. He's a count, which in Shakespeare's time was like being a millionaire CEO. He's also a bachelor, and let's just say, he's not exactly struggling to find a date. He's got it made, right? Wrong. Because, you see, he's got his eye on Juliet. And she, well, she's a bit... taken.

Paris: The Original Stage Five Clinger

Now, Paris is a bit older than Romeo. How much older? Well, that's where things get a little tricky. See, Shakespeare didn't exactly give us a birth certificate for the guy. But we do know that Paris is old enough to be considered a suitable match for Juliet, who's just 13 (yes, you read that right). So, let's do some math.

In Romeo and Juliet, we know that Romeo is about 16 or 17. Juliet, as we established, is 13. Now, Paris is older than Romeo, but not by much. Some scholars suggest he's in his early 20s, maybe 22 or 23. But remember, in those days, that was like being 30 in our time. People grew up faster, married younger, and life expectancy was... well, let's just say, it wasn't great.

Paris: The Original Stage Five Clinger

Now, back to Paris. He's not just a count, he's also a bit of a stage five clinger. He's been hanging around the Capulet house, trying to woo Juliet, and he's not taking no for an answer. He's like that guy at the bar who just won't leave you alone, even after you've politely declined his offer to buy you a drink. Like, dude, get the hint!

Romeo and Juliet Character Relationships | Shakespeare Learning Zone

But Paris is persistent. He's got the whole "I'll wait for you forever" thing down pat. And when Juliet finally agrees to marry him (under duress, might I add), he's over the moon. He's like the kid on Christmas morning who finally got the toy he's been begging for all year.

Paris: The Unwitting Accomplice

But here's where things get interesting. Paris, in his quest to win Juliet's heart, becomes an unwitting accomplice in her plan to fake her own death. He's so smitten, he doesn't even question why she's suddenly so eager to marry him. He just goes along with it, like the lovestruck puppy he is.

Morreu Roberto Bisacco, o Lord Paris de Romeu e Julieta (1968), aos 83

And then, of course, everything goes to hell in a handbasket. Juliet's plan backfires, Romeo thinks she's dead, kills himself, and then Juliet, finding Romeo's body, kills herself too. Paris, meanwhile, is left standing there, wondering what just happened. It's like he's the only one who didn't get the memo about the whole "star-crossed lovers" thing.

So, How Old Was Paris Again?

Alright, back to our original question. How old was Paris? Well, we've established that he's probably in his early 20s, maybe 22 or 23. But remember, in Shakespeare's time, that was like being a grown-ass adult. So, while we can't give you an exact age, we can tell you this: Paris was old enough to know better.

He was old enough to see that Juliet wasn't into him, that she was in love with someone else. But he was so blinded by his own desire, he couldn't see straight. And that, my friends, is a tale as old as time. Or, at least, as old as Romeo and Juliet.