The phrase "Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?" is from William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet , specifically from Act 2, Scene 2, often called the "Balcony Scene."
What does it mean?
- "Wherefore" means "why" , not "where."
- Juliet is asking, "Why are you Romeo?" - she is lamenting that Romeo is a Montague, the family her family is feuding with.
- She wishes he were not a Montague so they could be together without conflict.
Context
Juliet speaks this line while Romeo is secretly listening below her balcony. It expresses the pain of their forbidden love due to their family rivalry. If you'd like, I can provide the full excerpt or explain more about the play!
