Origin of A Rose by Any Other Name
The real origin of this phrase is unknown, but it is said that it was coined by William Shakespeare. In Act-II, Scene-II of Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet, Juliet says this phrase in reference to family, and the family name of Romeo. She says, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose / By Any Other Name would smell as sweet.” This implies that his family name has nothing to do with their love, and they should be together. Since Capulets and Montagues hate each other, love is forbidden merely due to these names.
Meaning of A Rose by Any Other Name
The importance of a person or thing is the way it is; not because of what it is called. Simply, it means the names of things cannot affect what they actually are. This line is, in fact, very profound, suggesting that a name is just a label to distinguish one thing from another. It neither has any worth, nor gives true meaning. Only an individual or thing has a worth when it deserves it; for example, even if we call a rose by an entirely different name, it would smell the same as it does by its name “rose.” Likewise, Juliet links this with Romeo, that his name is just a label, and that he would stay the same for her.
Usage of A Rose by Any Other Name
This phrase is very common is poetry and everyday life. For instance, poets and lovers call their beloveds by different names, like rose, lily, and shining star. Usually people name their pets with human names and many other names. It is used in birthday or celebratory speeches to flatter the person that he is praiseworthy. It can be used in awards ceremonies to call legends and keynote speakers. However, it is best used with its conjoined sentence, “What is in a name.”
Literary Source of A Rose by Any Other Name
Juliet says this phrase in lines 43-44, Act-II, Scene-II of Romeo and Juliet. This phrase implies Shakespeare’s belief that a name means very little, but the individual’s worth counts.
JULIET:
“Tis but thy name that is my enemy;
Thou art thyself, though not a Montague.
What’s Montague? …O, be some other name!
What’s in a name? that which we call a rose
By Any Other Name would smell as sweet;
So Romeo would, were he not Romeo call’d,
Retain that dear perfection which he owes
Without that title.”
(Romeo and Juliet, Act-II, Scene-II, Lines 38-49)
Juliet is trying to argue that, though Romeo is from a rival’s house and named Montague, it does not matter to her, as long as they both love each other.
Literary Analysis of A Rose by Any Other Name
The idea of this line is love, beauty, and family names. In this line, Juliet talks to herself, rehearsing that Romeo’s family is a meaningless and an artificial convention. She loves him as a person not due to his family name, Montague. Out of his love for Juliet, Romeo rejects the name of his family, and vows as Juliet’s lover, as she asks him to be “new baptized” and “deny (his) father.” In fact, this line encapsulates the tragedy and central struggle of the entire play. This is not only evocative but highly suggestive phrase when combined with the previous one.
Literary Devices
- Run on Line: The idea moves into next line, as there is a run on line.
- Metaphor: Smell is a metaphor for qualities or characteristics related to flowers.
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FAQs
A quote from Shakespeare “a rose by any other name would smell as sweet” has important meaning which applies to the everyday life of all humans. This quote suggest that a name is just a label to distinguish one thing from another.
What does a rose by any other name is a scandal mean? ›
“A rose by any other name is a scandal”. This is a reference to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet where Juliet tells Romeo “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet” meaning that his ancestral origins don't change who he is as a person, she still loves him regardless of the family he comes from.
How to use a rose by any other name? ›
"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet" is a popular adage from William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, in which Juliet seems to argue that it does not matter that Romeo is from her family's rival house of Montague. The reference is used to state that the names of things do not affect what they really are.
Who said a rose by any other name would still be a rose? ›
That which we call a rose / By any other name would smell as sweet. Lines from the play Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare . Juliet, prevented from marrying Romeo by the feud between their families, complains that Romeo's name is all that keeps him from her.
What does the rose mean in Shakespeare? ›
In addition to beauty and youth, love is also a theme in Shakespeare's sonnets. For example, in Sonnet 109, rose imagery is used to symbolize his beloved: “For nothing this wide universe I call/ Save thou, my Rose; in it thou art my all” (Sonnet 109). Here, the speaker use “my Rose” means “my love”.
What is the origin of a rose by any other name? ›
A quote from Shakespeare “a rose by any other name would smell as sweet” has important meaning which applies to the everyday life of all humans. This quote suggest that a name is just a label to distinguish one thing from another.
What is the story behind the name rose? ›
The epitome of femininity, Rose is a girl's name of Latin origins, meaning “rose” and “flower.” The name gets its meaning from the Latin name Rosa, also referring to the timeless and romantic bloom.
Is a rose by any other name a metaphor? ›
Juliet makes a profound observation about the nature of names in these lines, and Romeo hears her wisdom. The rose is used as a metaphor for the names that Juliet and her love interest have themselves. Even if Romeo had a different name, he'd still be Romeo.
What's in a name a rose by any name would smell as sweet meaning? ›
17. “What's in a name? A rose by any name would smell as sweet” Said in Act II, Scene II of Romeo and Juliet, Juliet says this phrase about family and the family name of Romeo, implying that his family name has nothing to do with their love and that they should be together.
What is the meaning of a rose is a rose is a rose? ›
Stein later used variations on the sentence in other writings, and the shortened form "A rose is a rose is a rose" is among her most famous quotations, often interpreted as meaning "things are what they are", a statement of the law of identity, "A is A."
Roses symbolize love, royalty, beauty, sensuality, secrecy, and mysticism. They are also associated with achievement and perfection. Roses are prized around the world, among the most beloved and popular flowers. Their fragrance is instantly recognized, but complex and distinct between varieties.
Who wrote the famous line rose is a rose is a rose is a rose? ›
“Rose is a rose is a rose is a rose” - Gertrude Stein - - This line, from the “Sacred Emily” poem by Gertrude. Stein, is found on the garden steps to the Rose. Garden, which is now in its splendor.
What rose was named after Audrey Hepburn? ›
The Rosa 'Audrey Hepburn' is also known as Rose. This Rosaceae has got a maximum height of approximatly 80 centimetres. The Rosa 'Audrey Hepburn' is not evergreen. Do you want to have more information or tips about the Rosa 'Audrey Hepburn'?
What is the rose a metaphor for? ›
Over the years, roses have come to symbolise some of our strongest feelings, such as love, passion and admiration. Whether you want to express love, friendship, or joy, there's a rose for every emotion and occasion.
What does rose symbolize in Hamlet? ›
Roses are used to symbolise youth, love and beauty. A garland of violets around the character's neck makes reference to faithfulness as well as chastity and death. Pansies are visible floating on her dress and refer to thought as well as love in vain.
What does rose symbolize in Romeo and Juliet? ›
Rose clearly symbolize Juliet and Romeo's deep love for each other—and yet their love is completely “star-crossed” or forbidden as we all know: Juliet is a Capulet, Romeo is a Montague. Their families have been enemies for decades—centuries even—but Romeo and Juliet's love for each other is unchanging and pure.
What does Juliet mean when she says which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet? ›
Explanation: In Act II, Scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet, Juliet poses the question, 'What's in a name?' and concludes that 'a rose by any other name would smell as sweet'. Here, Juliet is suggesting that a name is an artificial and meaningless convention and that the value of an individual is not determined by their name.
What does the rose mean in Romeo and Juliet? ›
Romeo and Juliet (1595)
That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” this famous quote from Romeo and Juliet means a lot of things: rose symbolizes beauty, love, and passion, but the thorns are a reminder that love can also be painful: their love that was symbolized by the rose, kills them both.
Who is known for the controversial quote A rose is a rose is a rose? ›
The sentence "Rose is a rose is a rose is a rose" was written by Gertrude Stein as part of the 1913 poem "Sacred Emily", which appeared in the 1922 book Geography and Plays.
