Lord Montague also does this, however, and suggests that Caplet’s actions are not so heroic, and possibly just adds to the rosining of the families’ feud. In scene two, of the same act, Caplet thinks of the previous arguments between the families. While in conversation with Paris, (prospector in marginality), he says; But Montague, is bound, as well as l, in penalty alike, And ‘its not hard, I think, for old men as we to keep the peace. This quote shows Caplet to be contemplative of the peaceful manner in which both families should be living.
Not only does Caplet realize the authority of Prince Callus, but the word “bound” shows that Caplet has little choice in the matter. As well as l”, “alike” and “we” shows the similarity between Caplet and Montague, though they tend to think themselves differently. The word “we” shows their distant unity. However, the fact that they are so “alike” in their penalties, implies that this is the only reason why Caplet considers peace, as the blame was passed on them equally. If the blame was passed on Caplet more that Montague, the conversation of peace would have arisen.
Not only this how controversial the word “peace” is but also how hypocritical and irrational Caplet is. These thoughts are constructed by Shakespeare carefully. The frequent use of commas conveys contemplation, and careful thinking. There are two pauses, represented by commas, either side of the phrase “l think”, and shows that resolving to peace is conditional, but not certain. The fact that, only the punishment of Montague might cause the only form of submission to peace shows villainy. Moreover, the contrasting ways in which Caplet treats his daughter is controversial, and a call for inspection.
While speaking to Paris, Caplet describes Juliet as the “lady of [his] earth. ” The word “earth” links both to astrology, and to the fact that Caplet seems to e living in his own world. Mostly, it shows Caplet to have a lack of hope in the world, where Juliet to carry on the family name and legacy. Hence is eagerness for Juliet to be married. The fact that is eager shows that he is selfish in his hope, but may also mean that he wants the best for his daughter, hence his willingness to wait.
It is very important to marry Juliet into another aristocratic family; therefore, it is in Caplet’s interest to marry her successfully. Though he may mean well by his daughter, Caplet can also be abnormally abusive. In ACTA Scene 2, Caplet states, in context to Gullet’s arraign that he will have “this knot knit up by tomorrow morning. ” This quote suggests many different aspects of Caplet’s villainy. Firstly, Caplet talks of sealing the marital contract, without Gullet’s consent or free will. This adds to his forceful character, and intimidating persona as a person.
The continuation of his family rests entirely on the success of this marriage, and Capsules self-centeredness seems to emanate strongly from this. The fact that Juliet is forced, shows the antithesis between men and women in Shakespearian times, and amount of authority a person held depending on heir gender and status. Secondly, the phrase “knot knit’ suggests the physical bondage of Juliet is she chooses to retaliate. This shows Caplet’s abusive character. It also implies that he does not think of Juliet as more than a child because he has to tie her up to make her follow orders.
The physical harm of Juliet shows that Caplet does not respect women. It also may be the reason that Lady Caplet had Juliet at such a very young age, and did not bond with her at all. Thirdly, the phonology of the phrase “knot knit” is an unpleasant one. The harsh sound that it holds may have been used by Shakespeare to how authority, menace and villainy. This use of alliteration would cause the dislike of Caplet from the very way the use of the alliterated “ink” sounds. All in all, I think that Shakespearean overall villain portrayal of Caplet is that of a villain.
The second character which I would like to discuss during this essay is Paris, the son of Prince Callus and the suitor of Juliet Caplet. For me the overall depth in which Shakespeare goes into about this character is very shallow, and ads to the mystery of who he really was. At first, Paris IS introduces as a polite young gentleman. In Act 1 Scene 2, he asks Lord Caplet, “What say you to my suit? ” From this question, it is a clear fact that Paris has consulted Caplet about Juliet before, if not more than once.
From any basic inference, it is clear that Caplet has postponing the marital ceremony for a good many years, for an unknown reason. The way in which only the father of Juliet is being consulted and not Lady Caplet suggests that Lady Caplet has had little decision in the person that her daughter marries. This means that the audience has landed into an internal family problem. This portrays Paris to be a villainous character. The fact that Paris keeps on asking to marry Paris, suggests that he may be thinking of how is represented in the public since he has no wife.
Later towards the end of the play in Act 5 Scene 3 Paris says to Romeo: O, I am slain! If thou me merciful, Open the tomb, lay me with Juliet. Paris also shows a sense of egotism. The passionate proclamation of his death seems almost a piteous cry. Shakespeare uses the word “O”, to show both pain and anguish, but shock. The proclamation mark also shows this. Here Paris could be stating his death to evoke pity from the audience and/or o show the sadness that he feels about his death. This quote also shows Paris to be a selfish and greedy person, up to his last breath.
Paris would have been aware at this moment that Romeo and Juliet were in love; however his last wish is for Romeo to “open the tomb” of his lover and lay him (Paris) in it instead. This implies that Paris intends to succeed in his marital union with Juliet, but eternally, in her grave, and maliciously chose her true love to do the deed. Though Juliet betrothal kept Romeo from loving her, Paris wishes intends to keep them apart forever. This shows Paris to be a villainous hearted, as not only does he think of his selfish desires, but decided to ignore the intangible love between Romeo and Juliet to suit his selfish needs.
The fact that Paris asks for the mercy of his killer shows forgiveness and heroism. He politely asks “If thou be merciful”, which shows a sense of desperation and hope, especially as the Comma almost shows that he is waiting for permission. It also shows that Paris was not badly tempered or murderous like Table. He plays the unwanted lover. Shakespeare uses this polite language to show a contrast to what both the audience would think of is character, and the social conventions of a prince.
Though Romeo comes from and aristocratic family, he is still under banishment; therefore he is in fact of lowered status. For a prince of hierarchy to ask for the mercy of an estranged citizen is beyond conceivable. This portrays Paris as a heroic character. Finally, this quote shows Paris to be heroic in two ways. Firstly, he did not call for the immediate removal of Romeo or his execution as a banished citizen, which he should have rightly done, especially being Prince Callus’ son. Secondly he talks of his love for Juliet and nothing else even as e dies.
