"It may be that which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet,' but I should be loath to see a rose on a maiden's breast substituted by a flower, however beautiful and fragrant it might be, that is went by the name of the skunk lily"

In this quote, Alexander Henry plays with the idea first presented by William Shakespeare in "Romeo and Juliet", where Juliet muses that a rose would still have the same scent and charm even if it were called by another name. Shakespeare's initial assertion suggests that the essence of a things or person is more vital than the label we offer it. Building on this principle, Henry includes a layer of personal and societal preference, accentuating how understanding and naming conventions influence our feelings and mindsets.

Henry acknowledges the fact in Shakespeare's recommendation that a name does not change the intrinsic qualities of a things. However, he also highlights an emotional and cultural context wherein names bring substantial connotations and impact our perceptions despite the true nature of the object. The 'increased,' a sign of appeal and love, inhabits an unique location in cultural and individual awareness. While a rose by any other name might literally smell just as sweet, the favorable associations and standard meaning attached to the name 'rose' enhance its perceived value and desirability.

Henry reveals unwillingness ("I must be loath") to change the treasured imagery of a rose with something called a "skunk lily", in spite of its prospective appeal or fragrance. The name "skunk lily" evokes negative undertones due to its association with a skunk, an animal often related to undesirable odor. Hence, even a flower of comparable beauty and fragrance to a rose might be less valued just since its name activates less favorable associations.

Through this contrast, Henry reviews how social biases and semantics can affect understanding, acknowledging that names and labels add to the attraction or disdain of objects and ideas. In doing so, he challenges readers to think about how much appeal, value, and affection stem not exclusively from intrinsic qualities however likewise from external labels and the emotions they stimulate.