Romeo Asks Juliet To Marry Him Quote
William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is one of the most beloved and iconic love stories in literature. The play tells the tale of two young lovers, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, who fall deeply in love despite their families' longstanding feud. The story is tragic, and it ends with both Romeo and Juliet taking their own lives to be together in death.
The Proposal
One of the most famous scenes in the play is when Romeo proposes to Juliet. The scene takes place in the Capulet family's orchard, where Romeo has gone to see Juliet after the Capulet's party. Juliet is standing on her balcony, and Romeo is standing below, looking up at her.
Romeo begins his proposal with one of the most famous lines in literature: "But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun." He goes on to profess his love for Juliet, saying that he will do anything to make her happy and that he wants to spend the rest of his life with her.
Juliet is hesitant at first, but eventually, she agrees to marry him. The two lovers make plans to be wed in secret, with the help of Friar Laurence.
The Quote
The quote that most people associate with Romeo's proposal is: "O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo? 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."
This quote is often misinterpreted to mean that Juliet is asking Romeo to give up his name and his family for her. However, what she is really saying is that she wishes Romeo was not a Montague, so that their love could be accepted by their families. She knows that it is impossible for them to be together as long as they are from feuding families, but she is willing to defy her family and be with Romeo anyway.
The Importance
The proposal scene is important because it sets the stage for the rest of the play. It shows just how deeply Romeo and Juliet love each other, and it highlights the obstacles that they will have to overcome in order to be together. It also sets up the tragic ending of the play, as the lovers' families' feud ultimately leads to their deaths.
Overall, the quote "O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?" is one of the most memorable lines in literature, and it represents the deep love that Romeo and Juliet share. It is a testament to the power of love, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.