In this poignant line from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Juliet expresses the deep internal conflict and irony of falling in love with Romeo, a member of the Montague family, the sworn enemies of her own family, the Capulets. The phrase ‘my only love sprung from my only hate’ reveals how her love for Romeo has emerged from the very family feud that she has been raised to hate. This highlights the tragic nature of their relationship, which is built on a foundation of enmity.
When she laments ‘too early seen unknown’, Juliet suggests that her feelings for Romeo developed before she fully understood who he was, including the implications of falling for someone from the opposing family. The phrase ‘and known too late’ signifies her realization of the love she has for him only after it has taken root, adding to the tragedy of their situation. This line encapsulates the theme of tragic love, where passion is intertwined with the burdens of family loyalty and societal expectations, ultimately leading to heartbreak.