Why shouldn't Romeo and Juliet change their names for each other and what could the possible consequences be . State this with evidence from the play Romeo and Juliet as intext reference harvard styled

Answer 1

There is no direct reference in the play that suggests Romeo and Juliet should change their names for each other. However, the fact that they come from feuding families puts them in a difficult situation where changing their names could potentially cause more harm than good.

In Act II, Scene II, Juliet expresses her concern about the names "Montague" and "Capulet" and how they hold significant weight in their society. She says, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose. By any other name would smell as sweet." (2.2.43-44). This implies that changing their names wouldn't really change their identities and that they would still be viewed as enemies by their families and peers.

Furthermore, changing their names could potentially worsen the feud between the Montagues and Capulets rather than resolve it. Juliet acknowledges this possibility when she says, "Deny thy father and refuse thy name; Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, And I'll no longer be a Capulet" (2.2.36-39). Juliet is aware that her family and Romeo's family are sworn enemies, and their love may cause an even greater rift between the two families.

Therefore, Romeo and Juliet changing their names for each other would not solve the underlying problem of the feud between their families and could potentially make the situation worse. It would ultimately make their love more difficult, and could lead to further tragedy.