How Does Shakespeare Use Light And Dark In Romeo And Juliet

William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is arguably one of the most beautiful yet tragic love stories ever written. Romeo and Juliet, two lovers from feuding families, fall instantly in love when they first lay eyes on each other. Romeo compares Juliet’s beauty to the bright torches as well as the sun, and he realizes that the only time they can see each other is at night when all is dark. Shakespeare uses light and dark imagery throughout the play, with each having a different meaning. He turns light and dark imagery on its head by showing darkness as a safe place for the lovers, and light as both harsh and a representation of beauty.

Shakespeare first uses light and dark imagery at the Capulet ball. While Romeo is at the party, he notices Juliet dancing with Paris and instantly falls in love with her beauty. As Romeo admires Juliet, he says “O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night as a rich jewel in an Ethiop's ear” (Shakespeare 1.5.51-52). He compares Juliet’s beauty to the torches’ light,

Due to the tension between the two houses, it isn’t uncommon for a fight to break out. Throughout the play, we see many fights occur. These skirmishes only happen during the day, while at night, we see more romantic and peaceful scenes from the play. Romeo emphasizes how the day time brings problems when he says “More light and light, more dark and dark our woes” (3.5.36) As the sun come up, we see many problems occur, such as constant fights, the separation of Romeo and Juliet, and the forced marriage with County Paris. An outcome of one of the fights resulted in Tybalt’s death, as well as Romeo being banished. This shows how throughout the day, many issues happen. The light is again shown as an obstacle for Romeo and Juliet, while the dark is a tranquil time. Shakespeare uses this contrast again to show light and dark