“That which we call a rose
By any other word would smell as sweet.”
-Romeo and Juliet, II.2
Everyone knows this classic line from Romeo and Juliet. So, what does it mean?
Juliet has just met the love of her life. But as fate would have it, her new boo is the son of her family’s mortal enemy!
However, Juliet is a smart gal. She recognizes that it’s only Romeo’s last name that stands in the way of their love. Using the rose analogy, Juliet sees that the names and labels that we use every day don’t actually define us.
After all, a rose is still a rose—no matter what you call it.
Want to learn more? You can read the entire play for FREE with Folger Digital Texts.
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