Identity In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

Identity is a central theme in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, as it shapes the actions and decisions of the characters and ultimately leads to the tragic outcome of the play. The concept of identity can be seen in various forms, including family affiliation, gender, social class and age.
Firstly, family affiliation plays a significant role in the story of Romeo and Juliet. The Montague and Capulet families are locked in a longstanding feud, and the characters' identities are deeply tied to their family name. Romeo and Juliet's love for each other is hindered by their family's hostility towards one another, and their decision to secretly marry ultimately leads to their deaths. The feud between the two families is a constant reminder of the characters' identities and their duty to their respective families. This is exemplified when Romeo states, "O, I am fortune's fool!" (Act 3, Scene 1) after killing Tybalt, Juliet's cousin, in a fit of rage. He is not only expressing his regret for his actions but also how his identity as a Montague has led to this tragic event.

Romeo and Juliet's gender roles are established early on in the play, with Romeo being portrayed as a typical male lover and Juliet as a typical female lover. Their gender roles shape the way they express their love for each other and the way their families and society view their relationship. Juliet's gender identity is also seen when she defies societal norms and takes control of her own fate by seeking out Friar Lawrence to help her and Romeo be together. She states, "Here, here will I remain with worms that are thy chamber-maids. O, here will I set up my everlasting rest, and shake the yoke of inauspicious stars from this world-wearied flesh" (Act 4, Scene 3) showing her determination to be with Romeo regardless of societal expectations of a woman during that