Growing up with a famous name, Juliette, comes with a lot of ridicule. For every new person I meet I am always asked the same question, “Where is Romeo?” or “Who is your Romeo?” I have to let out the usual giggle (like I have never heard that one before lol) but everyone says it. You have to be polite. And they always think they are the first to say it and that they are very humorous but it is a joke that you live with all your life.
Even new teachers at school, found it necessary to taunt me with that joke in front of the whole class. Which meant at lunch time the topic of conversation amongst my friends was: who is my Romeo? And constantly telling boys they were my Romeo.
When you have a boyfriend or husband they were also part of the joke. “You should change your name to Romeo”. Or else my husband just gets nicknamed Romeo. He is use to it now and also lets out the same laugh like it is the first time he has heard that joke.
But don’t get me wrong, I love my name. I like it’s originality, and I have only met one other Juliet! I also love the fact my name is French and that it has romantic connotations. It is a beautiful sounding name and the name means little angel.
Image: amazon.com
William Shakespeare’s novel Romeo and Juliet
I have always loved the Shakespeare novel, Romeo and Juliet, being a true romantic just adds to my love of the novel.
Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy that was written by William Shakespeare and it was one of his most popular novels/ plays.
Image of Romeo and Juliet’s famous balcony scene by Ford Maddox Brown
wikimedia.org
The tragedy is about two families in a feud. Romeo is from one family and Juliet the other. They meet at a masquerade ball held for Juliet to fall in love with Paris, but plans are altered when Romeo and Juliet fall madly in love at first sight and agree to marry the next day.
Friar Laurence performs the ceremony, though at first was reluctant, but believed it might be the perfect way to end the feud between the families.
Later, Juliet’s father arranges for Juliet to marry Paris, unaware of her previous engagements. To overcome this, Friar Laurence organises for Juliet to take a sleeping potion to make her appear dead for the next 42 hours. Romeo was kept unaware of this plan, and finds Juliet, assuming she is dead. In light of the tragic scene laying before him, he drinks poison and dies. However, Juliet soon awakens to find the death of her lover, and in turn takes Romeo’s dagger and stabs herself.
The two families arrive and Friar explains the tragic story. The tragedy of the event brings both families together and this leads to the feud’s end.
Image: Romeo and Juliet’s death scene
kxcdn.com
I adore Baz Luhrmann’s adaption of Romeo and Juliet, staring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes. It is a modern take on a classic story. I really enjoy this movie and recommend it to everyone. It is one of my favourite movie interpretations.
Image: Baz Luhrman’s Romeo & Juliet
amazon.com
There are so many famous names from history. Do you have a famous name from history? Let me know about your name and the experiences that you have endured. I would love to hear about it.
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Ridiculously Retro Xx