“What’s in a name?” – Juliet, balcony scene

                In the first two chapters of The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald caused me initial confusion by using multiple names for the same character.  In class, though, Ms. Valentino explained that Fitz changes how he refers to his characters depending on whom else the characters are with.  For example, the woman whom Tom loves is referred to by her first name, “Myrtle,” (Fitz 40) when she discusses how she met Tom, to represent how in that situation she felt a free person and an individual.  However, when Tom is arguing with her about her right to say the name "Daisy" (Fitz 41), she becomes “Mrs. Wilson” (Fitz 41), to show the separation between Tom and herself created by others who have influence over their lives (Tom is married to Daisy, and Myrtle to George Wilson).  Others around us constantly influence who we are, and Fitz chooses multiple names for a person to show this.

                In Romeo and Juliet, Juliet contemplates the significance of name.  Specifically, she notes that Romeo’s last name, Montague, can only keep him her enemy if he and she allow the feud between their families to control the individual choices Juliet and Romeo make.  She remarks “’Tis but thy name that is my enemy.” (Juliet, balcony scene)  Our names control us in that they may affect how others perceive us.  However, we ultimately choose for ourselves who we want to be.  Romeo and Juliet perceive each other not as a Montague and a Capulet, mortal enemies, but as Romeo and Juliet, who love one another.