Romeo And Juliet Identity Analysis

One’s identity is what defines who they are- it is at the core of all their decisions and beliefs. In William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet, identity serves as a major theme, and is one of the most critical aspects of the play. The choices and actions of the title characters are greatly influenced and a direct result of their age, elevated social status, and family name. The theme of identity is as critical to the play as the plotline itself, as the story is so dependent on who Romeo and Juliet are as characters.
Romeo and Juliet’s elevated status within Verona increases the risk of their marriage becoming discovered, and renders potential negative consequences that will affect others. The secret marriage between Romeo and Juliet is
As Romeo is slightly older than the thirteen year old Juliet, the idea of love versus lust is arguable when considering Romeo and Juliet’s ‘true love’ is simply be teenage infatuation. It is evident within moments of meeting Juliet that Romeo falls ‘in love’ with her, and forgets Rosaline, the former object of his affection. Romeo uses a slew of metaphors to describe his newfound feelings for his lover, “But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?/ It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,” (2.2.3-5). Romeo implies that after only meeting Juliet, he has fallen ‘in love’ with her, shifting his desires away from Rosaline. This evidently exemplifies Romeo’s immaturity. Romeo believes he is in love, while in reality, he is feeling lust. Romeo and Juliet are determined to be married as soon as possible. Their immaturity and impatience encourages them to marry hastily. This is evident when Romeo begs Friar Lawrence to marry him and Juliet that day, “I’ll [Romeo] tell thee [Friar Lawrence] as we pass, but this I pray,/ That thou consent to marry us [Romeo and Juliet] today.” (2.3.63-64). Romeo’s lack of judgement and recognition for consequences makes apparent he does not think things through. Romeo is compulsive and precipitous, both characteristics
The Capulet and Montague families are ancient rivals within Verona, “From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,/ Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.” (Prologue, 3-4). While it is implied the Montagues and Capulets have never been civil, new levels of violence will erupt from the feud because of Romeo and Juliet. Considering the length and severity of the rivalry between the families, something so trivial as a teenage romance will be unable to fix it. When Romeo realizes that Juliet is a Capulet, he is devastated, as he knows the tension between their families will not permit their relationship, stating; “Is she a Capulet?/ O dear account! My life is my foe’s debt.” (1.5.116-117), acknowledging how problematic it is for him to have fallen in love with Juliet. Romeo immediately becomes enamoured of Juliet, and decides to pursue her, despite the social stigma. Because of Romeo and Juliet’s familial situation, they are forced to become secretive almost immediately after meeting. Romeo pursues Juliet after their first encounter, and risks death just to see her, “And the place death, considering who thou [Romeo] art,/ If any of my [Juliet] kinsmen find thee here”(2.264-65). If Romeo was not a Montague, and Juliet not a Capulet, they would have no reason to break tradition to be with each