Question

Romeo maintains his feelings towards Juliet despite the conflict between their families. In a few sentences, explain what this detail tells us about love and identity. What is more important to Romeo: love or family?

Answer 1

It is very clear throughout the entire play that love is the most important thing to Romeo. If family were more important, he would be on the streets defending his family's honor right in the opening scene rather than sitting alone whining about Rosaline. When Romeo finds Juliet he knows right away that she is part of the Capulets, but he is already committed to being in love with her. In the balcony scene he says that he would change his name, "call me but love and I'll be new baptized. Henceforth I never will be Romeo". This shows specifically that his identity lies in his love, not in his name. He is willing to create a new family for himself for the sake of love.