How do Paris and Romeo compare in their pursuit of Juliet? Do you agree with Rosaline that Juliet's parents are to blame for the way the two men made a victim of Juliet?

How do Paris and Romeo compare in their pursuit of Juliet? Do you think their goals are the same or different? Do you agree with Rosaline that Juliet's parents are to blame for the way the two men made a victim of Juliet?

It was a combination of the parents and societal expectations that led the way for Romeo to take advantage of both of them. Paris, at least, was upfront in his desire for Juliet, and used the proper channels (her parents) to get what he wanted. Romeo played on her inexperience and youth. It seems like Juliet's nurse catered to her, and her mother, didn't spend a lot of time explaining the ways of the world.

I don't blame the parents. I do blame Paris and Romeo. Paris was a better person than Romeo, but they both expected Rosaline to succumb to their wants.

Paris, at least, was following the customs of his time and place. Romeo was circumventing the proper procedures and just doing what he wanted. Though the parents are at fault for not loving Juliet and caring for her. The marriage with Paris is just suddenly sprung on her as a fact.

Societal rules at the time encouraged parents to make a "good match" for their daughters -- and that was an economic, not a romantic concept. The parents followed the rules with Paris, and Paris was supposedly looking for a wife ( though his involvement in Friar Laurence's sex ring suggests his intentions may not have been totally pure). Romeo was out for Romeo only, on a power trip and enjoying his ability to conquer vulnerable young women.

I agree with the above comments. Juliet's parents had nothing to do with Romeo and Romeo went rogue on his own. As for Paris, who was gross (LOL), unfortunately, Juliet's parents were just following protocol to ensure their daughter married a suitable gentleman.

In this story Romeo pursued Juliet as a predator and a conquest he felt compelled to acquire. Paris on the other hand was purchasing a wife as societal norms dictated. Paris was enthralled with her beauty which made the agreement far more pleasing to him.

It seemed to me that Romeo was looking for a conquest - a woman who he could control, while Paris was looking for a wife - someone to have a family with, although neither man was looking for a companion.

I agree with notations by laurap and others above-- society norms were patriarchal and economic by default during this time period and women were considered possessions and "breeders" for elite families. In many ways, servants and nuns enjoyed more independence than the upper class women!