Micheal Jordan wrote: “If you accept the expectations of others, you will never change the outcome” (Jordan). The context of the quote can be appreciated when we connect it to one of William Shakespeare's greatest works, "Romeo and Juliet", in which two long-feuding families finally end their conflict after their children defy society's expectations and consequently took their lives. . The two lovers struggle to meet the expectations that society imposes on them, which oppose the existence of their love. For example, the audience sees Juliet defy her family's expectations in order to protect her relationship with her true love, Romeo. Additionally, Romeo and Juliet question their gender roles in order to love freely without any opposition from society. Additionally, as the love between the two intensifies, Romeo and Juliet struggle to conform to the social expectations of their Christian faith. In a nutshell, one of William Shakespeare's most famous plays, "Romeo and Juliet," is about how two lovers choose to defy the social expectations demanded by their society in an effort to create an environment where "true love" 'they own can exist. To begin, Juliet defies her family's expectations in favor of a life where she can freely express her love to Romeo, who is her family's enemy. For example, as Romeo and Juliet talk on the balcony, she says, “Deny your father and refuse your name; or if you do not want it, swear to yourself my love, and I will no longer be Capulet” (II, ii, 100-102). Juliet understands that society will not allow her to be with Romeo, a Montague, because he is the enemy of the family (Capulet). But because of her intense love for Romeo, she is willing to abandon her family... middle of paper... er, her love for Rome freely. Additionally, lovers find it difficult to hold fast to their Christian faith due to the deep feeling of love they feel towards each other. Finally, Romeo and Juliet choose to disregard their gender roles so that they can practice their love without any opposition. Societal expectations regarding family, religion, and gender place Romeo and Juliet in a vulnerable position, but they choose to defy the place to which they are expected to conform. Ultimately, both lovers lose hope, end their lives, and there comes a time in each person's life when they are subjected to the pressure of society's demands. Everyone has the opportunity to conform to or challenge these social norms in order to fit into their lives. /www.litcharts.com/lit/romeo-and-juliet/themes