Throughout the play, Shakespeare expresses his belief that love forces one to

choose between individual and group identity through character actions, character
interactions, and conflicts.
Through Romeo and Juliet’s character interactions, it can be seen that because of
the situation they are in, they will be forced to choose between individual and group
identity. For example, “Juliet: Saints do not move, though grant for prayers’ sake.
Romeo: Then move not while my prayer’s effect I take. [kisses her] (Act 1, Scene
5, lines 104-106) This evidence shows individual identity because Juliet was
originally supposed to meet with a different man, but instead chose to flirt with
Romeo. Romeo as well disregarded group identity by going to a party hosted by his
families’ enemies, to also meet another suitor. From what is known that their
families are enemies, their flirting would not be allowed, thus they had to choose
either individual or group identity for their love. Much later in the story it is seen
that another choice would have to be made, “My husband lives, that Tybalt would
have slain, and Tybalt’s dead, that would have slain my husband. All this is comfort.
Wherefore I weep then?” (Act 3, Scene 2, lines 115-117) This takes place right
after Juliet’s cousin was slain by Romeo. Normally, she would have even more
reason to hate the Montagues, but instead she chooses individual identity and
continues loving Romeo despite what he did. So far, from Romeo and Juliet flirting
with each other, and Juliet continuing to love Romeo despite him killing her cousin,
they had to make those identity choices because of their love for each other.
Furthermore, Shakespeare develops the theme that love forces one to choose
between individual and group identity through character actions. His reasoning is
further proved by these next quotes, “Call me but love, and I’ll be new baptized.
Henceforth I never will be Romeo.” (Act 2, Scene 2, lines 54-55) Romeo is clearly
stating here that if Juliet becomes his lover, he will throw away his name.
Completely disregarding his group identity out of his love for Juliet. Before Romeo
said that, Juliet states the same thing. “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, lines 34-36) Juliet seems to be making an even more individually based choice.
She is saying that she will give up her name, but Romeo doesn’t even have to.
Being sworn by their love, Juliet would become a Montague to be with Romeo. So in
addition to just choosing individual identity over group identity, both Romeo and
Juliet stated they are willing to throw away their group identity just to be with each
other.
Continuing into the story, more examples can be found through character actions
and conflicts with the fight between Romeo and Tybalt. “And so, good Capulet,
which name I tender as dearly as mine own, be satisfied.” (Act 3, Scene 1, lines
70-71) Tybalt, Juliet’s cousin, has challenged Romeo to a fight. Romeo would
normally fight him, or at least mouth off to him. But because Romeo loves Juliet, he
even goes so far as to say he loves his enemies’ name. However, Shakespeare’s
belief that love forces you to choose between individual and group identity isn’t just
shown through Romeo and Juliet’s romance. This can also be found after the fight.
“For Mercutio’s soul is but a little way above our heads, Staying for thine to keep
him company. Either thou or I, or both must go with him.” (Act, 3, Scene 1, lines
131-134) Mercutio, Romeo’s best friend instead fights Tybalt, and is killed by him.
Here, Romeo actually has to choose between his individual identity of wanting to
avenge his friend, and his other identity of wanting to stay loyal to Juliet. With
Romeo trying to stay loyal to Juliet, and avenging his friend, Shakespeare’s belief is
further established.
In conclusion, Shakespeare’s belief that love forces you to choose between
individual and group identities is vehemently present in many instances of the play.
Romeo and Juliet flirting with each other when they shouldn’t, being willing to throw
away their family name, and finally Romeo who tried to stay loyal to Juliet and
avenge his friend, there was always a choice that had to be made. Out of all the
beliefs expressed in Shakespeare’s play, this is the one that appears quite often in
our world. Romeo and Juliet mostly shows of what not to do in this situation, but
things can still apply to the reader on a smaller scale. Overall, the reader should
follow their feelings to some extent, but they should also think logically and
consider the consequences for their actions.