1
ENG 01
18 September 2019
Word Count: 1037
The Battle of Dark and Light
Everyone has that one book they hold close to their heart for the plot, the characters and
for the imagery. William Shakespeare, the author of Romeo and Juliet, loves his imagery . There
are three characters that use imagery quite a bit, Romeo, Juliet and Friar Lawrence. These
characters all serve to prove that Shakespeare’s use of light and dark imagery throughout the play
strengthens the romanticism and tension of the play.
Juliet’s use of dark imagery towards Romeo increases the romanticism and tension of
their relationship. The clearest example of this is when Juliet is waiting for Romeo to spend the
night, which sets the precedent for the tension to come, with “Come, Night, come, Romeo, come,
thou day in night,” (3.2.17). Juliet is dreaming of having Romeo come over , which is interesting,
because looking back on the whole play it seems like Juliet is inviting misfortune to come into
her life, along with Romeo. Yet on her part, Romeo being “day in night” refers to her loving him
so much , he brightens her day. This is such a romantic line, but Shakespeare also foreshadows
what is to come. Shakespeare chose Juliet’s wording carefully, specifically to dramatize Juliet’s
want and desire for Romeo. “and when I shall die, / Take him and cut him out in little stars, /…
all the world will be in love with night,” (3.2.21-24). The specific words she uses such as “be”
and “will” highlights Juliet’s fascination with him, to the point of idolatry. With “heaven” being
used in relation to night, one can see that Juliet holds the night close to her heart. This makes
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sense since many of the important events that occur between Romeo and Juliet happen at night.
Juliet’s love and appreciation for the night denotes the secrecy of their relationship. “Spread thy
close curtain, love performing night,” (3.2.5). Juliet is excited and cannot wait for nightfall since
that is when Romeo will come. Nighttime is their sanctuary, and she is grateful for it, as it is the
only time they can see each other without prejudice. The word “curtain” is used as the barrier
between the two lovers and the rest of the world, which is why she is so fond of the night. Thus,
through Juliet’s usage of dark imagery specifically towards Romeo, Shakespeare is able to
enhance the romanticism between the two through expanding their forbidden love.
As a counterbalance, Romeo’s use of light imagery towards Juliet mirrors her use of dark
imagery towards Romeo, which alerts the audience to the romance and tension. Romeo is so in
love with Juliet at first sight that he makes a romantic comparison, “Oh she doth teach the
torches to burn bright!” (1.5.43) Romeo realizes that she lights up his life even more so than the
source of light that is the torch. What Romeo says allows the reader to come to the conclusion
that she is brighter than the brightest torch to him. After, at the end of the scene, Romeo admits
his love for Juliet. Romeo is so excited to see Juliet that he compares her to the rising sun that
gives him life, “It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. / Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,”
(2.2.3-4). Romeo enjoys seeing Juliet , and Romeo has essentially put his life into Juliet’s hands
since the sun gives life as Juliet gives Romeo life. Comparing Juliet to such an important and
enduring symbol romanticizes their relationship, while also adding tension, because one cannot
live without the sun. Which begs the question, will Romeo be able to live without his Juliet?
(further foreshadowing). Romeo is extremely infatuated with Juliet, as one can see, “The
brightness of her cheek would shame those stars,” (2.2.19). This comparison is to the stars,
ENG 01
18 September 2019
Word Count: 1037
The Battle of Dark and Light
Everyone has that one book they hold close to their heart for the plot, the characters and
for the imagery. William Shakespeare, the author of Romeo and Juliet, loves his imagery . There
are three characters that use imagery quite a bit, Romeo, Juliet and Friar Lawrence. These
characters all serve to prove that Shakespeare’s use of light and dark imagery throughout the play
strengthens the romanticism and tension of the play.
Juliet’s use of dark imagery towards Romeo increases the romanticism and tension of
their relationship. The clearest example of this is when Juliet is waiting for Romeo to spend the
night, which sets the precedent for the tension to come, with “Come, Night, come, Romeo, come,
thou day in night,” (3.2.17). Juliet is dreaming of having Romeo come over , which is interesting,
because looking back on the whole play it seems like Juliet is inviting misfortune to come into
her life, along with Romeo. Yet on her part, Romeo being “day in night” refers to her loving him
so much , he brightens her day. This is such a romantic line, but Shakespeare also foreshadows
what is to come. Shakespeare chose Juliet’s wording carefully, specifically to dramatize Juliet’s
want and desire for Romeo. “and when I shall die, / Take him and cut him out in little stars, /…
all the world will be in love with night,” (3.2.21-24). The specific words she uses such as “be”
and “will” highlights Juliet’s fascination with him, to the point of idolatry. With “heaven” being
used in relation to night, one can see that Juliet holds the night close to her heart. This makes
, 2
sense since many of the important events that occur between Romeo and Juliet happen at night.
Juliet’s love and appreciation for the night denotes the secrecy of their relationship. “Spread thy
close curtain, love performing night,” (3.2.5). Juliet is excited and cannot wait for nightfall since
that is when Romeo will come. Nighttime is their sanctuary, and she is grateful for it, as it is the
only time they can see each other without prejudice. The word “curtain” is used as the barrier
between the two lovers and the rest of the world, which is why she is so fond of the night. Thus,
through Juliet’s usage of dark imagery specifically towards Romeo, Shakespeare is able to
enhance the romanticism between the two through expanding their forbidden love.
As a counterbalance, Romeo’s use of light imagery towards Juliet mirrors her use of dark
imagery towards Romeo, which alerts the audience to the romance and tension. Romeo is so in
love with Juliet at first sight that he makes a romantic comparison, “Oh she doth teach the
torches to burn bright!” (1.5.43) Romeo realizes that she lights up his life even more so than the
source of light that is the torch. What Romeo says allows the reader to come to the conclusion
that she is brighter than the brightest torch to him. After, at the end of the scene, Romeo admits
his love for Juliet. Romeo is so excited to see Juliet that he compares her to the rising sun that
gives him life, “It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. / Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,”
(2.2.3-4). Romeo enjoys seeing Juliet , and Romeo has essentially put his life into Juliet’s hands
since the sun gives life as Juliet gives Romeo life. Comparing Juliet to such an important and
enduring symbol romanticizes their relationship, while also adding tension, because one cannot
live without the sun. Which begs the question, will Romeo be able to live without his Juliet?
(further foreshadowing). Romeo is extremely infatuated with Juliet, as one can see, “The
brightness of her cheek would shame those stars,” (2.2.19). This comparison is to the stars,
