Question

What does Juliet mean when she says . "What's in a name') That which we call a rose by
any other name would smell as sweet"?
She is comparing Romeo to a rose.
She is questioning the importance of names.
She is talking about the beauty of flowers.
She is asking Romeo to change his name.

Answer 1

When Juliet says, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet," she is questioning the importance of names. She is expressing the idea that a name is not an essential part of what something is; rather, it is the essence or qualities that matter. In the context of the play, she is lamenting the feud between their families and suggesting that Romeo's name (Montague) does not change who he is as a person.