Why shouldn't Romeo and Juliet change their names for each other and what could the possible consequences be . State this with evidence from the play Romeo and Juliet as intext reference harvard styled
There is no direct reference in the play that suggests Romeo and Juliet should change their names for each other. However, the fact that they come from feuding families puts them in a difficult situation where changing their names could potentially cause more harm than good.
In Act II, Scene II, Juliet expresses her concern about the names "Montague" and "Capulet" and how they hold significant weight in their society. She says, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose. By any other name would smell as sweet." (2.2.43-44). This implies that changing their names wouldn't really change their identities and that they would still be viewed as enemies by their families and peers.
Furthermore, changing their names could potentially worsen the feud between the Montagues and Capulets rather than resolve it. Juliet acknowledges this possibility when she says, "Deny thy father and refuse thy name; Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, And I'll no longer be a Capulet" (2.2.36-39). Juliet is aware that her family and Romeo's family are sworn enemies, and their love may cause an even greater rift between the two families.
Therefore, Romeo and Juliet changing their names for each other would not solve the underlying problem of the feud between their families and could potentially make the situation worse. It would ultimately make their love more difficult, and could lead to further tragedy.
In William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet are members of feuding families who fall deeply in love with each other. The idea of changing their names for each other is briefly explored by Juliet in Act 2, Scene 2, commonly known as the "balcony scene." However, there are valid reasons why they shouldn't change their names, as depicted in the play, and possible consequences that could arise.
Firstly, changing their names would not resolve the underlying issues between their families. The feud is not solely based on their names but represents a deep-rooted animosity between the Montagues and the Capulets. In Act 2, Scene 2, Juliet acknowledges this fact when she says, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet." This implies that even if Romeo were to change his name, it would not change the familial disputes or bring about reconciliation.
Moreover, changing their names would only serve to mask their identities and deceive others. This deceitful act could have severe consequences if discovered. In Act 2, Scene 2, Juliet remarks, "It is too rash, too unadvised, too sudden, too like the lightning, which doth cease to be ere one can say 'It lightens.'" Here, she recognizes the hasty nature of such a decision and how it could potentially lead to their downfall. If their families were to uncover their true identities and intentions, the consequences could be disastrous for Romeo and Juliet.
Additionally, changing their names would ultimately create further complications and miscommunications. Throughout the play, misunderstandings and miscommunications arise due to the love between Romeo and Juliet being forbidden. If they were to change their names, it is likely that these misunderstandings would only become more pervasive. This is evident in Act 2, Scene 2, when Juliet says, "Else would I tear the cave where Echo lies, / And make her airy tongue more hoarse than mine / With repetition of 'My Romeo!'" Juliet fears that if she repeats Romeo's name too often, it will cause even more confusion and problems.
In conclusion, the play Romeo and Juliet provides evidence as to why Romeo and Juliet should not change their names for each other. Doing so would not resolve the family feud, could lead to severe consequences if their deception is discovered, and would further complicate their already forbidden love. Shakespeare's portrayal emphasizes the potential risks and tragic outcomes associated with altering their identities for the sake of their love.