Friday 27 September 2013

What are the main symbols in Romeo and Juliet?

There are many symbols within Romeo and Juliet, but I'll overview some of the major symbols to help start the discussion.


  1. Light and Darkness - Shakespeare uses the symbols of light and darkness in many of his plays, but this is especially true in Romeo and Juliet. When Romeo sees Juliet on the balcony, he describes her as the sun. She is the bringer of lightness in his world. In previous scenes, Romeo was depressed and downtrodden, but Juliet brings a new perspective to Romeo. These symbols of light and darkness progress throughout the play, with images of candles and the sun returning in various situations. 


  2. Stars and Heaven - Juliet repeatedly uses the imagery of stars, asking to cut Romeo out into little stars and make a face of him in Heaven. This celestial imagery is used frequently, and while it is romantic, it often makes Romeo and Juliet appear quite young. Their love is juvenile, and yet Romeo and Juliet compare it to gods, heaven, and cosmic entities.  


  3. Poison - Poison is also a recurring symbol. There is the tangible poison that is used to put Juliet to sleep, as well as kill, but there is also symbolic poison. The hatred that is felt between the Montagues and Capulets is poisonous, for instance.

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