Jan 4, 2010

Romeo and Juliet | Light and Dark in Romeo and Juliet

A discussion of the theme of light and dark in Romeo and Juliet, including their symbolic meanings and significance within the play.

Light and darkness usually have very definitive meanings in human psychology. Traditionally, light is considered “good” because it allows us to perceive the world around us and to work within it. Conversely, dark is usually viewed as “evil” due to our inability to see and the fear that such a state brings. Thus day and night, which are distinguished by the amount of light available, have similar connotations. However, while typical notions of light and dark do appear in Romeo and Juliet, day and night are reversed. Night becomes good because it aids Romeo and Juliet, and day...