The tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet is one of the most famous tales in literature. Written by William Shakespeare in the late 16th century, it explores themes of love, conflict, fate, and family rivalry.
A key element of the story revolves around the two lovers’ surnames, which symbolize the deep feud between their families.
To understand the significance of their last names, it is essential to first identify what those names are. The last names of the two protagonists are Montague and Capulet.
Romeo belongs to the Montague family, while Juliet is a member of the Capulet household.
The Importance of the Last Names: Montague and Capulet
The surnames Montague and Capulet are not just identifiers; they represent two powerful and rival noble families in Verona, Italy. The entire plot of Shakespeare’s play hinges on this bitter family feud, which makes the love between Romeo and Juliet forbidden and ultimately tragic.
“Two households, both alike in dignity,
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.”
— Prologue, Romeo and Juliet
This excerpt from the play’s prologue immediately sets the tone and context: the conflict is deeply rooted in the history of the Montagues and Capulets. Their last names carry the weight of longstanding hatred, which impacts every character connected to these families.
Montague Family: Romeo’s Last Name
Romeo is the son of Lord and Lady Montague. The Montagues are one of the two leading families in Verona, respected but embroiled in the feud with the Capulets.
Romeo’s full name, therefore, is Romeo Montague.
Throughout the play, the name “Montague” symbolizes the position Romeo holds in the social and political landscape of Verona. His identity is tied to his family name, which brings both privilege and conflict.
Despite the feud, Romeo is portrayed as a sensitive and passionate young man whose love for Juliet transcends family boundaries.
Key Montague Family Members
| Name | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lord Montague | Head of the Montague family | Protective father of Romeo, concerned for his son’s well-being. |
| Lady Montague | Romeo’s mother | Less prominent but caring figure in the family. |
| Romeo Montague | Protagonist | The young lover who falls for Juliet Capulet. |
Capulet Family: Juliet’s Last Name
Juliet is the daughter of Lord and Lady Capulet, the opposing noble house to the Montagues. Her full name is Juliet Capulet.
The Capulets are an influential and proud family, protective of their name and honor.
Juliet’s surname carries the burden of the family feud just as heavily as Romeo’s. It is the source of the obstacles facing the young lovers, as the enmity between their families forbids their union.
Yet Juliet’s character brings warmth and determination to the story, showing courage in the face of this adversity.
Key Capulet Family Members
| Name | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lord Capulet | Head of the Capulet family | Juliet’s authoritative and sometimes harsh father. |
| Lady Capulet | Juliet’s mother | Supports her husband and encourages Juliet’s marriage plans. |
| Juliet Capulet | Protagonist | The young woman who falls in love with Romeo Montague. |
The Symbolism Behind Their Last Names
The surnames Montague and Capulet symbolize more than just family lineage; they represent division, conflict, and societal expectations. Shakespeare uses these last names to highlight how deeply entrenched social and familial pressures can impact individual lives.
Romeo and Juliet’s love is tragic precisely because it defies these labels. Their last names are barriers as well as identities, and the tension between their family names drives the play’s dramatic tension.
“My only love sprung from my only hate!
Too early seen unknown, and known too late!”
— Juliet, Act 1, Scene 5
This line from Juliet poignantly captures the contradiction of their identities: her love for Romeo conflicts with her loyalty to the Capulet name. The last names of Romeo and Juliet frame their entire story.
Historical and Literary Context of the Last Names
The feud between the Montagues and Capulets is fictional but inspired by real Renaissance Italian family rivalries. Shakespeare chose these surnames to evoke the social dynamics and honor codes of his time.
The names themselves carry subtle meanings. “Montague” is thought to derive from French origins meaning “pointed hill,” suggesting nobility and elevation.
“Capulet” may connect to the Latin “caput,” meaning “head,” symbolizing authority or leadership.
Understanding these etymologies enriches our appreciation of the characters and their societal roles.
Other Characters Sharing the Last Names
Besides Romeo and Juliet, several other characters share their last names, reinforcing the importance of family ties in the narrative. The loyalty and conflict among these family members add layers to the story.
| Family | Character | Role | Relationship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montague | Benvolio Montague | Romeo’s cousin and friend | Peacekeeper in the Montague family |
| Montague | Mercutio | Close friend to Romeo | Not a Montague by name but aligned with them |
| Capulet | Tybalt Capulet | Juliet’s cousin | Aggressive defender of the Capulet honor |
| Capulet | Nurse (no last name) | Juliet’s caretaker | Confidante and messenger |
The Role of Last Names in the Plot Development
The last names Montague and Capulet create the tension that fuels the entire narrative. Every interaction between characters of these families is charged due to their surnames.
For example, the street fights between servants and family members stem from their allegiance to these names. The Prince of Verona issues warnings to stop the violence caused by the Montague-Capulet feud because their last names represent a social conflict that disturbs public peace.
“If ever you disturb our streets again,
Your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace.”
— Prince Escalus, Act 1, Scene 1
Romeo and Juliet’s decision to marry secretly is also motivated by their desire to break free from the constraints imposed by their last names. Their love attempts to overcome the barriers that these family names have erected.
Modern Interpretations of the Last Names
In contemporary adaptations of Romeo and Juliet, the last names Montague and Capulet continue to represent feuding families or rival groups. The names have become synonymous with conflict and forbidden love.
Some modern retellings update or change the family names to fit different cultural or social contexts, but the original surnames remain iconic symbols of Shakespeare’s classic story.
Summary: What Is the Last Name of Romeo and Juliet?
Romeo’s last name is Montague, and Juliet’s last name is Capulet. These names define their identities and the conflict at the heart of the play.
The Montague-Capulet feud makes their love tragic and timeless.
| Character | Last Name | Family Role |
|---|---|---|
| Romeo | Montague | Son of Lord and Lady Montague |
| Juliet | Capulet | Daughter of Lord and Lady Capulet |
The power of their last names lies in how they represent the external forces shaping the characters’ destinies. Their story remains a poignant reminder of how identity, family, and societal expectations can influence love and tragedy.
Further Reading and Resources
For readers interested in exploring more about the Montague and Capulet families, as well as the historical context of Shakespeare’s work, the following resources are recommended:
- “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare – The original text of the play.
- Shakespearean Tragedies and Their Social Context – Scholarly articles on family feuds in Renaissance literature.
- The Montagues and Capulets: History and Myth – Studies on how Shakespeare may have been inspired by real Italian families.
- Romeo and Juliet Adaptations – Analysis of how the last names are used in film, theater, and literature adaptations.
