"What's in a name? that which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet;So Romeo would, were he not Romeo call'd,Retain that dear perfection which he owesWithout that title."(act 2 - scene 2; pg. 71-73)
I love this quote from Juliet. It is one of the more famous lines in the play, and the phrase "a rose is a rose by any other name" still persists to this day. It shows the thoughtfulness of Juliet and how she sees the pointlessness of conflict due simply to names. Another such quote I find interesting is:
"A thousand times the worse to want thy light.
Love goes toward love as schoolboys from their books,
But love from love, toward school with heavy looks." (act 2 - scene 2; pg. 81)
I like this quote as well, as it applies directly to my life. It provides a funny and simple dichotomy between the attraction of two lovers and the angst of a schoolboy and his classes, and giving a new perspective on similes based on opposite instead of the same.
Why do you think Shakespeare included these lines in his play? Why was he trying to convey these messages? I enjoy these quotes as well. The first one shows that there really should not be conflict just for a name and that names really do not matter and the second one shows is a humorous look on love by using a simile comparing two lovers and schoolboys and their books.
ReplyDeleteHow does "a rose is a rose by any other name" show Juliet's thoughtfulness? While it is true that the conflict between the Montagues and Capulets is rather absurd, does that really show her intellect? The townsfolk and the prince have all likely noticed, so is a growing teenage girl who talks to herself really an example of thoughtfulness?
ReplyDeleteDo you think Shakespeare included those lines, especially the second one, for comedic effect or because he thought that was the best metaphor he could make? I really like how you compared the second quote to yourself, because I can also relate to it
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