O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo... i mean, Richard?

Is there a more iconic scene in a more iconic play in the ‘English’ speaking world… ?this is an article itself, the meaning of words…over time… stop the tangents, Richard.

?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."

At first glance, it is self-evident (right?) that Juliet is simply searching for Romeo's physical whereabouts. However, a deeper analysis reveals that she is grappling with the internal conflict of familial expectations and societal constraints, which can be metaphorically also related to the challenges faced by some of us dealing with mental illness. I became obsessed with classical poetry and theatre as a in inpatient… perhaps I’ve thought about this far too deeply? Who knows….

But what if I told you (Morpheus) "O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?" Juliet is not inquiring about Romeo's physical location but rather questioning why he must be a Montague, her family's sworn enemy.

?Juliet is asking why societal labels and divisions have to define their love, much like those of us facing mental health issues question the constraints and stigmas placed upon us.? (ponders for a solid two hours, where I am I going with this…)

Juliet's subsequent plea, "Deny thy father and refuse thy name," signifies her desire for Romeo to disassociate himself from his Montague lineage. Similarly, from my lens anyway, I have often dissociated (literally) from my mental illness and have yearned to break free from the labels and expectations placed on us due to our conditions, hoping to be recognised for who we truly are beyond mental health challenges.

The relevance of Juliet’s lines in the context of mental health when I understood them lies in the understanding that what may seem obvious to others may not accurately represent an individual's internal struggles. Just as Juliet's desire for Romeo to shed his name illustrates her longing for a love untainted by family rivalries, those of us facing mental illness may seek acceptance and understanding that transcends preconceived notions and societal prejudices. These lines remind us to look beyond the surface and empathise with the complexities of individuals dealing with mental health issues, recognising our unique identities and aspirations beyond what may seem self-evident.

love

R and H

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