Names In Romeo And Juliet

Names are a key factor in everyday life. It is how people are identified. A name can mean several things in other dialects or languages, but the most important aspect of a name is how it is depicted. In literature, a name reflects the characteristics and personality of a character. The Victorian era can be described as a time where life sprung from the social classes. All were focussed on the way in which they were seen (perceived) by society. The Elizabethan period, Shakespeare’s time, was called the golden age with arts prospering. The main inspirations were romance, love, and prosperity. In The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde and Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, literary devices were presented to portray the meaning of

It follows the history of two feuding families, the Montagues and Capulets. Capulet and Montague define citizens as separate societies in rivalry. Romeo is considered to be one of those most impulsive and immature of the Montagues. Romeo and Juliet are star-crossed lovers from different families. “O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” (Shakespeare Act 2). Juliet is out on her balcony asking, “Why must you be Romeo?”. Shakespeare uses a soliloquy to show Juliet’s inner thoughts and emotions being confesses. It is soon discovered Juliet feels that a name, no matter what it might be, is not significant to a person or a group of individuals. “What’s Montague? It is nor hand nor foot/Nor arm nor face nor any other part/Belonging to a man.” (Shakespeare Act 2). Here, Shakespeare uses alliteration. The word “nor” and the letter “n” are repeated to emphasize Juliet’s feelings towards the name Romeo. Throughout this play, a name appears to be the source of despair keeping Romeo and Juliet apart. Despite this the two continue to love with all their hearts until death eventually takes

Gwendolen explains that then, it was an age of ideals. The name Ernest is interpreted to be genuine and honorable, while also having confidence. “...my ideal has always been to love someone of the name of Ernest. There is something in that name that inspires absolute confidence.” (Wilde Pg. 41) Wilde uses the form of horatian satire to emphasize that a name is meaningless until given definition from the individual that holds it. Another device present throughout the whole play of The Importance of Being Earnest is verbal irony. The title The Importance of Being Earnest is ironic in itself. In the novel Jack uses an alter ego that goes by the name of Ernest, as does Algernon “Well, my name is Ernest in town and Jack in the country…” (Wilde Pg. 33). Being that the name means honest and truthful, it is ironic that Jacks uses it as a fake name while in another