Defying Classifications In William Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet
In society people label others based on race, sexual orientation, gender, and many other external factors. Often times when someone identifies as something other than straight, their sexual orientation becomes a defining factor. Many teens are afraid to come out as a result of what may follow such as bullying, harassment, or a change in the way that they are perceived. Once someone identifies as gay, that is often the first thought people associate with that person. Therefore, one aspect of a person then embodies his entire persona, and that label affects the way that he is viewed. Defying classifications is a theme that arises numerous times throughout Romeo and Juliet.
In Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet look past
their differing labels and love each other. Even when Juliet finds out that she kissed her enemy, she continues to pursue her feelings, as she realizes that one is not defined by his name. After Juliet learns that the stranger she kissed is a Montague she says, “thou art thyself, though not a Montague” (II.ii.42). In saying that, Juliet states that Romeo is himself, not solely a Montague. There are many other aspects of Romeo besides his name. Juliet continues and says “that which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet” (II.ii.46-47). Juliet says that renaming a rose would not affect its sweetness. Therefore, Romeo would still have all the same qualities he possesses, even if he were not named Romeo or a Montague. This shows Juliet’s advanced understanding that one part of a person should not define them. In addition, it shows her unwavering love for Romeo, despite their feuding families.
Classifications and labels are relevant today as more people become open about characteristics they have that may differ from what is considered to be normal. Hate crimes targeting members of the LGBTQ community are the third most reported hate crime to the FBI. As people become aware that there is an entire spectrum of genders and sexualities, they must attempt to accept differences. Not only should people accept others’ differences, they should not attempt to categorize or identify people by one small factor. Human beings are composed of a variety of factors and each contributes to their overall persona. The idea that one is not defined by a singular factor is present in Romeo and Juliet and is a lesson that modern day people can learn.
In Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet look past
their differing labels and love each other. Even when Juliet finds out that she kissed her enemy, she continues to pursue her feelings, as she realizes that one is not defined by his name. After Juliet learns that the stranger she kissed is a Montague she says, “thou art thyself, though not a Montague” (II.ii.42). In saying that, Juliet states that Romeo is himself, not solely a Montague. There are many other aspects of Romeo besides his name. Juliet continues and says “that which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet” (II.ii.46-47). Juliet says that renaming a rose would not affect its sweetness. Therefore, Romeo would still have all the same qualities he possesses, even if he were not named Romeo or a Montague. This shows Juliet’s advanced understanding that one part of a person should not define them. In addition, it shows her unwavering love for Romeo, despite their feuding families.
Classifications and labels are relevant today as more people become open about characteristics they have that may differ from what is considered to be normal. Hate crimes targeting members of the LGBTQ community are the third most reported hate crime to the FBI. As people become aware that there is an entire spectrum of genders and sexualities, they must attempt to accept differences. Not only should people accept others’ differences, they should not attempt to categorize or identify people by one small factor. Human beings are composed of a variety of factors and each contributes to their overall persona. The idea that one is not defined by a singular factor is present in Romeo and Juliet and is a lesson that modern day people can learn.