Romeo and Juliet

Question

by William Shakespeare

Juliet.

What's in a name? That which we call a rose

By any other word would smell as sweet.

So Romeo would, were he not Romeo called,

Retain that dear perfection which he owes

Without that title.



From Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare



Question
Use the passage to answer the question.

In one or two sentences, describe the meaning of this analogy.

(2 points)

Answer 1

In this analogy, Juliet suggests that a name, like "Romeo," does not alter the essence of a person or thing, just as a rose would still be sweet-smelling regardless of what it is called. She argues that Romeo's identity and worth are inherent and unaffected by his name or family affiliation.