Romeo And Juliet Quotes About Juliet

Juliet Capulet, the radiant heart of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, is brought to life through some of the most iconic and poignant lines in English literature. Her words, filled with youthful passion, unwavering devotion, and tragic premonitions, paint a vivid portrait of a young woman defying societal expectations in the name of love. These quotes, resonating across centuries, offer a profound glimpse into Juliet's character, her journey, and the enduring power of her love for Romeo.

Juliet's First Impressions: Innocence and Obedience

Initially presented as a dutiful daughter, Juliet's early dialogue reveals a girl on the cusp of womanhood, carefully navigating the expectations of her family.

"It is an honour that I dream not of." (Act 1, Scene 3)

This is Juliet's response to her mother, Lady Capulet, when asked about the possibility of marriage to Paris. It reveals her initial disinterest in marriage and a certain naiveté about the world. She hasn't yet considered love or marriage as something she desires; rather, it's presented to her as a duty. The line highlights her youth and innocence, contrasting sharply with the passionate and headstrong Juliet she later becomes.
"I'll look to like, if looking liking move; / But no more deep will I endart mine eye / Than your consent gives strength to make it fly." (Act 1, Scene 3)

This quote further emphasizes Juliet's obedience to her parents. She agrees to consider Paris as a potential husband, but only to the extent that her parents approve. She will "look to like" him, meaning she will try to find him agreeable, but she won't allow herself to fall deeply in love ("endart mine eye") without their blessing. This demonstrates Juliet's respect for her parents' wishes and her initial willingness to conform to societal expectations.

The Balcony Scene: A Declaration of Love

The balcony scene is arguably the most famous in the play, and Juliet's words here are central to its enduring appeal. It is in this scene that Juliet truly blossoms, revealing her passionate and independent spirit.

"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." (Act 2, Scene 2)

This is perhaps the most iconic line associated with Juliet. It expresses her anguish over Romeo's identity as a Montague, an enemy of her family. "Wherefore art thou Romeo?" doesn't mean "where are you, Romeo?" but rather "why are you Romeo?" She is lamenting the fact that Romeo's name is the only thing that separates them. She is willing to give up her own name and family if Romeo will simply declare his love for her. This shows the depth of her love and her willingness to defy her family for him.
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose / By any other word would smell as sweet." (Act 2, Scene 2)

This famous line follows directly from the previous quote and elaborates on Juliet's belief that names are arbitrary and do not define a person's true essence. She argues that Romeo's name is irrelevant; he would still be the same person, just as wonderful and lovable, even if he had a different name. This demonstrates her insightful and unconventional thinking, questioning the importance of social constructs and emphasizing the importance of inner qualities.
"My bounty is as boundless as the sea, / My love as deep; the more I give to thee, / The more I have, for both are infinite." (Act 2, Scene 2)

This beautiful metaphor expresses the immensity and unwavering nature of Juliet's love for Romeo. She compares her love to the boundless sea, suggesting that it is limitless and inexhaustible. The more she gives to Romeo, the more she has, because her love is infinite. This portrays her love as a source of strength and abundance, rather than a depleting resource.
"Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, / That I shall say good night till it be morrow." (Act 2, Scene 2)

This oxymoron perfectly captures the bittersweet feeling of parting from a loved one. While saying goodbye is sorrowful, it is also "sweet" because it implies the hope of seeing Romeo again soon. Juliet is so enthralled with Romeo that she wants to prolong their farewell, repeating "good night" until morning comes. This line highlights her youthful infatuation and her desire to savor every moment with Romeo.

Desperation and Defiance: Choosing Love Over Family

As the play progresses, the conflict between Juliet's love for Romeo and her loyalty to her family intensifies, leading her to make increasingly desperate and defiant choices.

"O, be some other name! / What's Montague? It is nor hand, nor foot, / Nor arm, nor face, nor any other part / Belonging to a man. O, be some other name! / What's in a name? That which we call a rose / By any other word would smell as sweet; / So Romeo would, were he not Romeo call'd, / Retain that dear perfection which he owes / Without that title. Romeo, doff thy name, / And for that name which is no part of thee / Take all myself." (Act 2, Scene 2)

This longer passage from the balcony scene expands upon the earlier "What's in a name?" quote. Juliet meticulously breaks down what a name isn't: it's not a physical part of a person. She argues that Romeo's essence, his "dear perfection," exists independently of his name. She is willing to give herself completely to him if he will only reject his Montague identity. This is a powerful declaration of love and a complete rejection of the feud that divides their families.
"If he be married, / My grave is like to be my wedding bed." (Act 1, Scene 5)

This line, spoken after Juliet learns that Romeo is a Montague, foreshadows the tragic ending of the play. She declares that if Romeo is already married, she would rather die than marry another. This demonstrates the intensity of her immediate attraction to Romeo and her willingness to sacrifice her own happiness for him. It also hints at the theme of fate that runs throughout the play.
"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." (Act 2, Scene 2)

This repetition emphasizes Juliet's desperation to overcome the obstacle of their families' feud. She begs Romeo to renounce his name or, failing that, she will renounce hers. This willingness to abandon her family and identity for Romeo highlights the overwhelming power of her love and her defiance of societal expectations.
"I must hear from thee every day in the hour, / For in a minute there are many days." (Act 2, Scene 2)

This line expresses Juliet's impatience and longing to be with Romeo. She feels that every minute apart from him is like many days. This demonstrates the intensity of her feelings and her desire for constant communication and connection with her lover.
"O gentle Romeo, / If thou dost love, pronounce it faithfully. / Or if thou think'st I am too quickly won, / I'll frown and be perverse and say thee nay, / So thou wilt woo; but else, not for the world." (Act 2, Scene 2)

This quote reveals a more playful and coy side of Juliet. She wants Romeo to declare his love for her sincerely. She playfully suggests that if he thinks she is falling in love too easily, she will act difficult and reject him, just so he will continue to woo her. This shows her awareness of social conventions and her desire to be properly courted, even though she is already deeply in love with Romeo.

Facing Fate: Despair and Determination

As events spiral out of control, Juliet's dialogue becomes increasingly desperate and tinged with a growing awareness of her impending doom.

"O God! O God! / Romeo is banished. To speak that word / Is father, mother, Tybalt, Romeo, Juliet, / All slain, all dead." (Act 3, Scene 2)

Juliet's reaction to Romeo's banishment reveals the depth of her despair. She feels as though the word "banished" is more deadly than the death of her family members. For her, Romeo is her family, her entire world. This hyperbole highlights the overwhelming grief and devastation she experiences at the thought of being separated from him.
"I'll to my wedding bed; / And death, not Romeo, take my maidenhead!" (Act 3, Scene 2)

This line expresses Juliet's determination to remain faithful to Romeo, even in the face of forced marriage to Paris. She declares that she would rather die than be with another man. This demonstrates her unwavering loyalty and her willingness to defy her parents' wishes at all costs. It also foreshadows her eventual death, as she ultimately chooses death over a life without Romeo.
"What must be shall be." (Act 4, Scene 1)

This simple yet profound statement reflects Juliet's growing sense of fatalism. She seems to accept that her fate is predetermined and that she has little control over her own destiny. This resignation to fate adds to the tragic atmosphere of the play and highlights the powerlessness of the characters in the face of external forces.
"Give me, give me! O, tell not me of fear!" (Act 4, Scene 1)

This urgent plea to Friar Laurence shows Juliet's desperation to find a solution to her predicament. She is willing to do anything to avoid marrying Paris, even if it means taking a dangerous potion. Her declaration "O, tell not me of fear!" demonstrates her bravery and her willingness to face any risk to be with Romeo.

The Final Act: Love and Death United

In the final act, Juliet's words are filled with a sense of tragic inevitability. Her love for Romeo remains unwavering, even as she prepares to take her own life.

"O happy dagger! / This is thy sheath; there rust, and let me die." (Act 5, Scene 3)

These are Juliet's final words before she takes her own life. She addresses the dagger as if it were a lover, seeing it as the instrument that will reunite her with Romeo. The image of the dagger as her "sheath" is a powerful and evocative metaphor for the consummation of her love through death.
"Yea, noise? Then I'll be brief. O happy dagger! / This is thy sheath; rust, and let me die." (Act 5, Scene 3)

This slightly altered version emphasizes the urgency of Juliet's situation. Hearing a noise, she knows she must act quickly before she is discovered. The brevity of her final words underscores the tragic waste of her young life and the swiftness with which fate has overtaken her.

Juliet's Strength and Agency

While often portrayed as a naive and innocent girl, Juliet possesses a remarkable inner strength and agency that shines through her words.

Her willingness to defy her parents: Juliet's defiance of her parents' wishes, particularly regarding her marriage to Paris, demonstrates her strong will and her commitment to following her own heart.
Her courage in taking the potion: Juliet's decision to take Friar Laurence's potion, knowing the potential risks involved, showcases her bravery and her willingness to gamble everything for the chance to be with Romeo.
Her eloquent expressions of love: Juliet's poetic and passionate expressions of love for Romeo reveal her intelligence, sensitivity, and emotional depth.
Her ultimate sacrifice: Juliet's decision to take her own life rather than live without Romeo is the ultimate act of agency, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her love and her refusal to compromise her own happiness.

The Enduring Legacy of Juliet's Quotes

Juliet's quotes continue to resonate with audiences today because they capture the universal experiences of love, loss, and the struggle for individual freedom. Her words are a testament to the power of love to transcend societal boundaries and to the enduring human desire for connection and belonging. They remind us of the beauty and fragility of youth, the intensity of first love, and the tragic consequences of hatred and prejudice. Juliet's voice, preserved through Shakespeare's timeless language, continues to speak to the hearts of readers and audiences around the world. She remains an icon of romantic love and a symbol of the enduring power of the human spirit to defy even the most daunting odds. Her quotes are not just lines from a play; they are a window into the soul of a young woman who dared to love with all her heart, and whose tragic fate continues to move and inspire us centuries later. Through her words, Juliet lives on, forever young, forever in love.