2. In a minimum of 200 words/maximum of 250 words, critically analyse the following speeches made by Juliet and Romeo and explain why and how these young lovers want to change their social identity.
Remember to structure your answer as a single paragraph, not in bullet-points/as separate answers.
Your answer should contain the following:
-a clear explication (critical examination) of why Romeo and Juliet are willing to forsake their identities.
- Lastly, whether you disagree with their decision.
(Substantiate your stance: why do you disagree with their decision to change their social identities? How will you prove this by means of critical, textual analysis? Do not moralise, speculate or present uniformed/unsupportable opinions!). Give intext reference from the play Romeo and Juliet as evidence Harvard referencing style and write it in such a way that it is not detected that it was written by an AI
Juliet
O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?
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.
Romeo
[Aside] Shall I hear more, or shall I speak at this?
Juliet
'Tis but thy name that is my enemy;
Thou art thyself, though not a Montague.
What's Montague? It is nor hand, nor foot,
Nor arm, nor face, nor any other part
Belonging to a man. O, be some other name!
What's in a name? That which we call a rose,
By any other word would smell as sweet.
So Romeo would — were he not Romeo called —
Retain that dear perfection which he owes
Without that title. Romeo, doff thy name,
And for that name, which is no part of thee,
Take all myself.
Romeo
[Aloud] I take thee at thy word.
Call me but love, and I'll be new baptized;
Henceforth I never will be Romeo.
Romeo and Juliet are willing to forsake their identities for the sake of their love. Juliet implores Romeo to deny his family name, which is the barrier in their relationship. She believes that their names are the only thing that prevents their happiness; if Romeo changes his name, they can be together. Romeo agrees, stating that he will be "new baptized" and never be Romeo again if it means they can be together. They want to change their social identities because the societal constraints on their love are too great to bear. The long-standing feud between the Capulets and Montagues limits their choices and forces them to choose between loyalty to their families and love for each other.
Despite the romantic notion, I disagree with their decision to change their social identities. Romeo and Juliet's decision to forsake their identities is a naive and unrealistic solution to their problems. Changing their names would not substantially change their situation as the feud between the families will still exist. Furthermore, disobeying their parents and disregarding their social identities will lead to the deprivation of important cultural values. Ultimately, their decision to forsake their identities results in tragedy and ultimately destroys both families. The play makes it clear that their actions are not a solution to problems stemming from societal oppression, but rather the foundation of further problems and complications. Thus, the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet should not be interpreted as an affirmation of their decision to change their social identities, but rather as a warning sign against the consequences of societal norms and values that restrict individual freedom.
In conclusion, the critical analysis of Romeo and Juliet's speeches shows their willingness to forsake their social identities. However, this solution is not practical or realistic and represents not an affirmation but a condemnation of the consequences of social norms and expectations. Therefore, the story of Romeo and Juliet remains a cautionary tale for its audience against the adverse effects of societal pressures and restrictions. Citation: (Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, Act II, Scene ii)
In the speeches made by Juliet and Romeo, it is evident that both young lovers are willing to forsake their social identities for the sake of their love and to overcome the barriers created by their feuding families. Juliet, in her famous balcony scene, expresses her desire for Romeo to deny his name, stating, "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" (2.2.34-36). She believes that their names, which symbolize their family affiliations, are the sole barrier to their love. Juliet argues that it is not their physical or familial identities that define them, but rather their essence as individuals. She implies that by changing their names, they can escape the burden of their feuding families and be together without any societal prejudices.
Similarly, Romeo concurs with Juliet's sentiments, emphasizing that a name is insignificant in the grand scheme of things. He remarks, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose, By any other name would smell as sweet" (2.2.43-44). Romeo believes that his name is separate from his true self and that it does not define his essence. He is willing to shed his name and adopt a new identity, "doff thy name," to be with Juliet. Both Juliet and Romeo desire to break free from the shackles of their social identities and societal expectations, hoping to create a new reality for themselves where their love can flourish.
However, I disagree with their decision to change their social identities. While their desire to be together is understandable, forsaking their identities is not a solution to their problems. Changing their names does not resolve the underlying issue of the feuding families or the deeply entrenched social divide. By discarding their identities, they are only temporarily escaping the consequences of their actions and potentially exacerbating the conflict between their families. In the play, this decision ultimately leads to tragedy and the loss of their lives.
Instead of abandoning their identities, Romeo and Juliet should have sought a way to bridge the gap between their families and work towards reconciliation. Their decision to change their social identities highlights their impulsive and youthful naïveté, overlooking the complexities of their situation. It is essential to critically analyze their decision not only from a romantic perspective but also from a societal and cultural context, examining the consequences of their actions within the larger framework of the play.