Light N darnesss Flashcards
light and darkness quote 1
‘‘And too soon marr’d are those early made/Earth -treading stars that make dark heaven light’Earth -treading stars that make dark heaven light’
Lord Capulet refers to Juillet that is ‘heaven light’ in the dark therefore showing how he holds Juliet with high value and sees her as very precious to him. Light is seen now seen to be an example of love which contrasts with how Romeo perceived light previously. Juliet could be seen as the embodiment of light, and this could be foreshadowing how she is the one going to take Romeo out of the light.
light and darkness quote 2
‘O doth she teach the torches to burn bright!’
Romeo sees Juliet for the first time in the mascaraed party referring her as the light suggesting she would be the one to take him out of the “artificial night” highlighting his deep admiration for her. However, a contemporary audience may see this as a hasty move from Romeo suggesting he may not fully sincere as not long ago he was talking of the pain his unrequited love gave him from Rosaline,
light and darkness quote 3
Act 3
“more light and light, more dark and dark and dark our woes!”
Even when Romeo had just started to find solace in light he starts to villanise light again as he is losing Juliet again demonstrating Juliet is the vessel of light for him illustrating the strength of his love for her.
The term ‘more” shows the extent of suffering and pain of light.
light and darkness quote 4
Act 3 Juliet “It was the nightgale, and not the lark” – page 79
Juliet’s line, “It was the nightingale, and not the lark,” reflects her desire to deny the coming of morning and keep Romeo by her side. The nightingale (a bird of the night) symbolises darkness and secrecy, which throughout the play is associated with love, safety, and intimacy for the couple. In contrast, the lark, a bird of dawn, represents light, reality, and separation. Juliet’s longing to remain in the darkness shows how Shakespeare uses light and dark not in the traditional sense of good and evil, but to invert expectations—darkness becomes their sanctuary, while daylight threatens their love
light and darkness quote 5
The phrase “the horrible conceit of night” marks a striking shift in the symbolism of darkness. Earlier in the play, night represented safety, intimacy, and a sanctuary for Romeo and Juliet’s love. However, here it becomes a source of fear and uncertainty. Shakespeare uses this change to reflect the couple’s descent into despair, showing how even their once comforting refuge has turned threatening—mirroring the collapse of their hopes.
