Symbols in Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" is rich with symbolic elements that deepen the play's themes and enhance its emotional impact. Let's explore some of the most significant symbols in this timeless tragedy.
Light and Darkness
One of the most pervasive symbolic contrasts in the play is between light and darkness. This dichotomy represents various aspects of the story and characters.
NoteLight often symbolizes love, hope, and the purity of Romeo and Juliet's relationship, while darkness represents conflict, secrecy, and death.
The Sun and Moon
Romeo frequently compares Juliet to the sun, emphasizing her radiance and the life-giving nature of their love:
"But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the East, and Juliet is the sun!"
Conversely, the moon is associated with changeability and melancholy, often linked to Romeo's initial infatuation with Rosaline.
Day and Night
The lovers' meetings primarily occur at night, symbolizing the secretive nature of their relationship:
"I have night's cloak to hide me from their sight"
However, their final meeting in the tomb occurs during the day, ironically bringing their secret love into the light but at the cost of their lives.
The Poison
Poison serves as a potent symbol throughout the play, representing both literal death and the toxic nature of the feud between the Montagues and Capulets.
Common MistakeMany readers assume the poison only appears at the end of the play, but its symbolic presence is felt throughout the story.
Literal Poison
The apothecary's poison that Romeo uses to end his life is described as:
"Soon sleep in quiet. O, how may I Call this a lightning? O my love! my wife!"
This description emphasizes the swift and final nature of death, mirroring the rapid progression of Romeo and Juliet's relationship.
