Paris and Juliet

Another instance of unrequited love is the relationship between Paris and Juliet. Paris has intense feelings for Juliet to the extend of asking her hand in marriage upon just meeting her, not too different from Romeo and Juliet’s relationship. The difference, however, is that Juliet does not return the same feelings to Paris and thus leaves him to mourn her death without ever knowing her love.

As seen in the beginning of the play, Paris arrives at the Capulet’s to begin courting Juliet, but immediately upon hearing this she shows no interest in getting to know him and states that she will give him a chance to please her family. Later in the play, as their forced wedding comes closer, he continues to pay her compliments and shows a genuine interest in her, of which, once again, she does not return to him. When Juliet fakes her death to escape marrying him, he can be seen saying he will come to her grave every night to mourn for his love.

So, in conclusion, Paris felt deep emotion towards Juliet, to the extent of mourning and loving her after her “death”. But, because the feelings weren’t mutual between the two, this relationship can be categorized as unrequited love.

Romeo and Rosaline

Everyone has felt feelings for another that were not returned to them, and have felt the pain that follows the rejection. This type of relationship is known as unrequited love, and is defined by love that is not openly reciprocated or understood as such. The first instance of love in Romeo and Juliet can be categorized as unrequited, and takes place between Romeo and his love interest Rosaline.

In Act One Scene One, Romeo is shown rather depressed and in a state of heartbreak because of the feelings he has for Rosaline. He can be seen using contradictory phrases to express what he’s experiencing for his beloved, which is more than likely said because Rosaline is not reciprocating his love. Romeo can be seen in this state of depression for the events leading up to meeting Juliet, and not until then does Romeo get over the rejection from Rosaline due to her chastity and declaration of avoiding marriage.

In conclusion, the relationship between Romeo and Rosaline is one that everyone can relate to, from the pursuit to an imaginary connection to the heartbreak that replaces those feelings shortly after either being rejected or realizing that the love is just not meant to be. In the case of Romeo however, he soon overcomes these feelings of ache when he meets the new love of his life, Juliet.