SEQUENCE : ROMEO AND JULIET, A SHAKESPEARIAN TRAGEDY

PREPARATION WORK : ABOUT THE PLAY ITSELF

Answer the following questions about Romeo and Juliet, then discuss the answers in class.
1) When was the play published ?
Believed to have been written between 1591 and 1595, the play was first published in 1597. It was
published early in Shakespeare's career.
2) Did Shakespeare completely invent the story ?
No, Shakespeare got his inspiration from previous works. The plot of the play is based on an Italian
tale, translated into verse as The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet by Arthur Brooke in 1562
and retold in prose in Palace of Pleasure by William Painter in 1567. Shakespeare borrowed
heavily from both but, to expand the plot, developed supporting characters, particularly Mercutio
and Paris.
3) What genre does the play belong to ?
It is a tragedy. Both main characters die at the end. Nevertheless, Shakespeare switched between
comedy and tragedy to increase tension and he developed some minor characters (the nurse,
Mercutio, Paris) to embellish the story. All this has been considered as an early sign of his dramatic
skill.
4) What is the general topic of the play ? Why is it such a reference ?
It is about two young lovers who decide to get married secretly in spite of the feud (=vendetta)
opposing their two families. Finally, the two lovers'deaths reconcile their opposed families. It was
among Shakespeare's most popular plays during his lifetime and, along with Hamlet, is one of his
most frequently performed plays. Today, the title characters are regarded as archetypal young
lovers.
Romeo and Juliet has been adapted many times for stage, cinema, musical and opera.
5) Where and when is the action set ?
Romeo and Juliet is set in Verona and Mantua, two cities in the north of Italy. It is supposed to take
place in the 14th century, in summer.
6) Present the different characters of the play. Explain who these people are :
The ruling House of Verona
Prince Escalus : he is the ruling Prince of Verona
Count Paris : he is a kinsman of Escalus who wishes to marry Juliet.
Mercutio : he is another kinsman of Escalus, and a friend of Romeo.
The House of Capulet

Capulet : he is the patriarch of the house of Capulet.

Lady Capulet : she is the matriarch of the house of Capulet.
Juliet : she is the 13-year-old daughter of Capulet, and the play's female protagonist.
Tybalt : he is a cousin of Juliet, and the nephew of Lady Capulet.
The Nurse : she is Juliet's personal attendant and confidant.
Rosaline : she is Lord Capulet's niece, and Romeo's love in the beginning of the story.
Peter, Sampson and Gregory : they are servants of the Capulet household.
The House of Montague
Montague : he is the patriarch of the house of Montague.
Lady Montague : she is the matriarch of the house of Montague.
Romeo : he the son of Montague, and the play's male protagonist.
Benvolio : he is Romeo's cousin and best friend.
Abram and Balthasar : they are servants of the Montague household.
Others
Friar Laurence : he s a Franciscan friar, and is Romeo's confidant.
Friar John : he is sent to deliver Friar Laurence's letter to Romeo.
An Apothecary : he reluctantly sells Romeo poison.
A Chorus : he reads a prologue to each of the first two acts.
7) Say in details swhat happened throughout the whole story, act by act.
Prologue
Shakespeare's most famous play begins with a Prologue which establishes that this play will be a
tragedy and that the children of two feuding families, Romeo of the Montague family and Juliet of
the Capulet family, will both love and die at the end of this play
Act I.
Sampson and Gregory, servants to the Capulets and Abraham and Balthasar, servants to the
Montague family start a street fight, which is joined by Benvolio (Montague) and Tybalt (Capulet).
Escalus, the Prince of Verona who angrily learns of this fight, declares a death penalty for further
feuding between the two families. We learn that Romeo is lovesick. Rosaline, the object of his
affections does not love him in return. His friend Benvolio tells Romeo to look at other girls...
Meanwhile Capulet would like Paris to marry his daughter Juliet and plans a party to be held later
that night. Romeo and his friends decide to turn up uninvited, Romeo hoping to see Rosaline,
whom he is still in love with.
Lady Capulet discusses the idea of marriage to Paris with Juliet, which Juliet does not reject. The
Nurse wishes Juliet every possible happiness...
At the Capulet's party, Romeo who is disguised by a masque (mask), falls in love with Juliet at first
sight. Capulet prevents Tybalt from attacking Romeo at his party, telling him there will be other
opportunities. Both Romeo and Juliet learn that they are each enemies of the other's family... A
Prologue sung by a choir dramatizes the conflict both Romeo and Juliet feel between their love for
one another and their loyalty to their respective families.
Act II.

Ignoring the danger, Romeo climbs over Capulet's wall to be near Juliet, the woman he cannot
forget... Unnoticed in Juliet's orchard, Romeo learns of Juliet's love for him. After declaring their
feelings for each other, the two decide to get married. Juliet will send Romeo a messenger in the
morning to make plans for their wedding...
The very next day, we meet Romeo's friend, Friar Laurence. He wonders how Romeo can forget
Rosaline so quickly but agrees to marry the two since he hopes this marriage it will end the long
running Montague / Capulet quarrel...
Romeo catches up with (= rattraper) his friends Mercutio and Benvolio. Juliet's messenger, the
Nurse, arrives and the wedding is set for later that day. The Nurse brings Romeo ropes which will
allow Romeo to climb into Juliet's bedroom as her husband later that night... Act II ends with
Romeo and Juliet's marriage.
Act III.
Benvolio and Mercutio (both Montagues) meet Tybalt (Capulet). Tybalt attempts to provoke Romeo
into fighting. Mercutio fights Tybalt and is killed. Romeo then kills Tybalt. Escalus, the Prince of
Verona banishes Romeo from Verona threatening him with death if he ever returns. Juliet learns of
Romeo killing Tybalt and despite being torn between her loyalty for her family and Romeo, mourns
her husband Romeo's banishment.
Romeo learns of the banishment order, realizing he will not be able to see Juliet again. Friar
Laurence suggests Romeo go to Juliet's bedroom to comfort his wife... Capulet, who does not know
of Romeo and Juliet's marriage, decides that the marriage of Juliet to Paris must now take place, and
he asks his wife to make Juliet aware of Paris' love for her. The day of the marriage has been
decided : it will be on the following Thursday.
We learn that Romeo has spent the night with his Juliet. Juliet who is now already secretly married
to Romeo, learns that she is to marry Paris. She tries to fight her father's wishes, failing to dissuade
him. Juliet decides to commit suicide if anything else fails...
Act IV.
Paris reveals that the wedding will occur on Thursday. Juliet is cold to Paris. Friar Laurence tells
Juliet to take a potion simulating death, allowing Romeo to take her away, unopposed to Mantua
since everyone will think she is dead at the Capulet's ancient vault or burial ground.
Capulet makes plans for Juliet's wedding. Juliet, who has decided to drink Friar Laurence's potion,
no longer opposes the wedding, to her father's great pleasure.
Hearing this good news, Capulet, who is keen to have Juliet marry Paris decides to move the
wedding forward. It will now be on Wednesday morning, not Thursday as previously planned...
Juliet succeeds in sleeping alone which allows her to take the potion in privacy. Juliet worries about
the Friar's intentions before the potion takes effect and she falls asleep...
Lady Capulet and the Nurse are busy making preparations for the wedding. It is 3 o'clock in the
morning and now Capulet hearing music announcing Paris' arrival, tells the Nurse to wake Juliet up.
The Capulets learn that their daughter Juliet is dead. The wedding preparations are changed into
those of a funeral.

Act V.
In Mantua, Romeo learns of Juliet's death, deciding to risk his own life by returning to Verona at
once to see Juliet one last time. Romeo also buys some poison from a local Apothecary.
Friar John explains to Friar Laurence that his letter informing Romeo that Juliet is not dead, did not
reach Romeo. Friar Laurence tries again to inform Romeo of his plan and heads off to the Capulets'
burial chamber where Juliet will soon awake.
Paris mourns his bride that never was. Romeo arrives, opening Juliet's coffin to look at his love one
last time. Paris fights Romeo whom he believes is desecrating Juliet's grave. Paris dies, Romeo
placing him beside Juliet. Romeo takes his poison, kisses Juliet and dies. Friar Laurence arrives too
late. Juliet, now awakens, asking for her Romeo. Friar Laurence leaves the tomb, leaving Juliet
alone. Juliet kisses Romeo and stabs herself to death. The Prince, Capulets, and Montagues arrive,
Balthasar and Friar Laurence explaining all. Escalus scolds (= rprimander) the two families who
finally end their feud. The play ends with the Prince summarizing this tragic love story.
8) What are the main themes developed in the play ?
- Love :
Romeo and Juliet is sometimes considered to have no unifying theme, except that of young love.
Romeo and Juliet have become emblematic of young lovers and doomed love. It is the obvious
subject of the play.
Romeo and Juliet is the most famous love story in the English literary tradition. Love is naturally
the plays dominant and most important theme. The play focuses on romantic love, specifically the
intense passion that springs up at first sight between Romeo and Juliet. In Romeo and Juliet, love is
a violent, ecstatic, overpowering force that is tronger than all other values, loyalties, and emotions.
In the course of the play, the young lovers are driven to defy their entire social world: families
(Deny thy father and refuse thy name, Juliet asks, Or if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, /
And Ill no longer be a Capulet), friends (Romeo abandons Mercutio and Benvolio after the feast
in order to go to Juliets garden), and ruler (Romeo returns to Verona for Juliets sake after being
exiled by the Prince in 2.1.7678). Love is the main theme of the play, but a reader should always
remember that Shakespeare is uninterested in portraying a prettied-up, dainty version of the
emotion, the kind that bad poets write about, and whose bad poetry Romeo reads as he is still in
love with Rosaline. Love in Romeo and Juliet is a brutal, powerful emotion that captures
individuals and catapults them against their world, and, at times, against themselves.
- The Inevitability of Fate :
In its first address to the audience, the Chorus states that Romeo and Juliet are star-crossedthat
is to say that fate (a power often set in the movements of the stars) controls them . This sense of fate
permeates the play, and not just for the audience. The characters also are quite aware of it: Romeo
and Juliet constantly see omens. When Romeo believes that Juliet is dead, he cries out, Then I defy
you, stars, completing the idea that the love between Romeo and Juliet is in opposition to the
decrees of destiny. Of course, Romeos defiance itself plays into the hands of fate, and his
determination to spend eternity with Juliet results in their deaths. The mechanism of fate works in
all of the events surrounding the lovers: the conflict between their families (This hatred is never
explained. The reader must accept it as an undeniable aspect of the world of the play), the horrible
series of accidents that ruin Friar Lawrences seemingly well-intentioned plans at the end of the
play, and the tragic timing of Romeos suicide and Juliets awakening. These events are not mere
coincidences, but rather manifestations of fate that help bring about the unavoidable outcome of the

young lovers deaths.

- Duality (light and dark) :
Scholars have long noted Shakespeare's widespread use of light and dark imagery throughout the
play. Some consider the theme of light as "symbolic of the natural beauty of young love". For
example, both Romeo and Juliet see the other as light in a surrounding darkness. Romeo describes
Juliet as being like the sun, brighter than a torch, a jewel sparkling in the night, and a bright angel
among dark clouds. Even when she lies apparently dead in the tomb, he says her "beauty makes
This vault a feasting presence full of light." Juliet describes Romeo as "day in night" and "Whiter
than snow upon a raven's back." This contrast of light and dark can be expanded as symbols
contrasting love and hate, youth and age in a metaphoric way.
The "light" theme in the play is also heavily connected to the theme of time, since light was a
convenient way for Shakespeare to express the passage of time through descriptions of the sun,
moon, and stars.
- Time
Time plays an important role in the language and plot of the play. Both Romeo and Juliet struggle to
maintain an imaginary timeless world in opposition to the harsh realities that surround them. For
instance, when Romeo swears his love to Juliet by the moon, she protests "O swear not by the
moon, th'inconstant moon, / That monthly changes in her circled orb, / Lest that thy love prove
likewise variable."
From the very beginning, the lovers are designated as "star-cross'd" referring to an astrologic belief
associated with time. Stars were thought to control the fates of humanity, and as time passed, stars
would move along their course in the sky, also charting the course of human lives below. Romeo
speaks of a foreboding he feels in the stars' movements early in the play, and when he learns of
Juliet's death, he defies the stars' course for him.
Another central theme is haste: Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet takes place on a period of four to
six days. Time is important to Shakespeare in this play, as he uses references to "short-time" for the
young lovers as opposed to references to "long-time" for the "older generation". Therefore, it
highlights headlong rush towards doom. Romeo and Juliet fight time to make their love last forever.
In the end, the only way they seem to defeat time is through a death that makes them immortal
through art.
Time is also connected to the theme of light and dark. In Shakespeare's time, plays were most often
performed at noon or in the afternoon in broad daylight. This forced the playwright to use words to
create the illusion of day and night in his plays. Shakespeare uses references to the night and day,
the stars, the moon, and the sun to create this illusion. He also makes his characters frequently refer
to the days of the week and specific hours to help the audience understand that time has passed in
the story.

SEQUENCE : ROMEO AND JULIET, A SHAKESPEARIAN TRAGEDY

PREPARATION WORK : ABOUT THE PLAY ITSELF
Answer the following questions about Romeo and Juliet, then discuss the answers in class.
1) When was the play published ?

2) Did Shakespeare completely invent the story ?

3) What genre does the play belong to ?

4) What is the general topic of the play ? Why is it such a reference ?

5) Where and when is the action set ?

6) Present the different characters of the play. Explain who these people are :
The ruling House of Verona
Prince Escalus :
Count Paris :
Mercutio :
The House of Capulet
Capulet :
Lady Capulet :
Juliet :
Tybalt :
The Nurse :
Rosaline :
Peter, Sampson and Gregory :
The House of Montague
Montague :
Lady Montague :
Romeo :
Benvolio :
Abram and Balthasar :

Others
Friar Laurence :
Friar John :
An Apothecary :
A Chorus :
7) Say in details swhat happened throughout the whole story, act by act.
Prologue

Act I.

Act II.

Act III.

Act IV.

Act V.

8) What are the main themes developed in the play ?

SEQUENCE : ROMEO AND JULIET, A SHAKESPEARIAN TRAGEDY

PREPARATION WORK : ABOUT THE PLAY ITSELF
Believed to have been written between 1591 and 1595, the play was first published in 1597. It was
published early in Shakespeare's career. This play was created during the Golden Age of English
literature. It was the beginning of Elizabethan theatre (which spread on a period from the beginning
of Queen Elizabeth Ist's reign to the middle of the XVIIth century). English theatre evolved
considerably during this period of time : professional theatre companies started to exist, many
theatres were built and many playwrights wrote a geat number of plays.
Shakespeare got his inspiration from previous works. The plot of the play is based on an Italian tale,
translated into verse as The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet by Arthur Brooke in 1562 and
retold in prose in Palace of Pleasure by William Painter in 1567. Shakespeare borrowed heavily
from both but, to expand the plot, developed supporting characters, particularly Mercutio and Paris.
Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy. Both main characters die at the end. Nevertheless, Shakespeare
switched between comedy and tragedy to increase tension and he developed some minor characters
(the nurse, Mercutio, Paris) to embellish the story. All this has been considered as an early sign of
his dramatic skill.
The play is about two young lovers who decide to get married secretly in spite of the feud opposing
their two families. Finally, the two lovers'deaths reconcile their opposed families. It was among
Shakespeare's most popular plays during his lifetime and, along with Hamlet, is one of his most
frequently performed plays. Today, the title characters are regarded as archetypal young lovers.
Romeo and Juliet has been adapted many times for stage, cinema, musical and opera.
Romeo and Juliet is set in Verona and Mantua, two cities in the north of Italy. It is supposed to take
place in the 14th century, in summer.
Here is some information about the characters of the play :
The ruling House of Verona
Prince Escalus : he is the ruling Prince of Verona
Count Paris : he is a kinsman of Escalus who wishes to marry Juliet.
Mercutio : he is another kinsman of Escalus, and a friend of Romeo.
The House of Capulet
Capulet : he is the patriarch of the house of Capulet.
Lady Capulet : she is the matriarch of the house of Capulet.
Juliet : she is the 13-year-old daughter of Capulet, and the play's female protagonist.
Tybalt : he is a cousin of Juliet, and the nephew of Lady Capulet.
The Nurse : she is Juliet's personal attendant and confidant.
Rosaline : she is Lord Capulet's niece, and Romeo's love in the beginning of the story.
Peter, Sampson and Gregory : they are servants of the Capulet household.

The House of Montague

Montague : he is the patriarch of the house of Montague.
Lady Montague : she is the matriarch of the house of Montague.
Romeo : he the son of Montague, and the play's male protagonist.
Benvolio : he is Romeo's cousin and best friend.
Abram and Balthasar : they are servants of the Montague household.
Others
Friar Laurence : he s a Franciscan friar, and is Romeo's confidant.
Friar John : he is sent to deliver Friar Laurence's letter to Romeo.
An Apothecary : he reluctantly sells Romeo poison.
A Chorus : he reads a prologue to each of the first two acts.
Now, here is a summary of the play :
Prologue
Romeo and Juliet begins with a Prologue which establishes that this play will be a tragedy and that
the children of two feuding families, Romeo of the Montague family and Juliet of the Capulet
family, will both love and die at the end of this play
Act I.
Sampson and Gregory, servants to the Capulets and Abraham and Balthasar, servants to the
Montague family start a street fight, which is joined by Benvolio (Montague) and Tybalt (Capulet).
Escalus, the Prince of Verona who angrily learns of this fight, declares a death penalty for further
feuding between the two families. We learn that Romeo is lovesick. Rosaline, the object of his
affection does not love him in return. His friend Benvolio tells Romeo to look at other girls...
Meanwhile Capulet would like Paris to marry his daughter Juliet and plans a party to be held later
that night. Romeo and his friends decide to turn up uninvited, Romeo hoping to see Rosaline,
whom he is still in love with.
Lady Capulet discusses the idea of marriage to Paris with Juliet, which Juliet does not reject. The
Nurse wishes Juliet every possible happiness...
At the Capulet's party, Romeo who is disguised by a masque (mask), falls in love with Juliet at first
sight. Capulet prevents Tybalt from attacking Romeo at his party, telling him there will be other
opportunities. Both Romeo and Juliet learn that they are each enemies of the other's family... A
Prologue sung by a choir dramatizes the conflict both Romeo and Juliet feel between their love for
one another and their loyalty to their respective families.
Act II.
Ignoring the danger, Romeo climbs over Capulet's wall to be near Juliet, the woman he cannot
forget... Unnoticed in Juliet's orchard, Romeo learns of Juliet's love for him. After declaring their
feelings for each other, the two decide to get married. Juliet will send Romeo a messenger in the
morning to make plans for their wedding...
The very next day, we meet Romeo's friend, Friar Laurence. He wonders how Romeo can forget
Rosaline so quickly but agrees to marry the two since he hopes this marriage it will end the long
running Montague / Capulet quarrel...

Romeo meets his friends Mercutio and Benvolio. Juliet's messenger, the Nurse, arrives and the
wedding is set for later that day. The Nurse brings Romeo ropes which will allow Romeo to climb
into Juliet's bedroom as her husband later that night... Act II ends with Romeo and Juliet's marriage.
Act III.
Benvolio and Mercutio (both Montagues) meet Tybalt (Capulet). Tybalt attempts to provoke Romeo
into fighting. Mercutio fights Tybalt and is killed. Romeo then kills Tybalt. Escalus, the Prince of
Verona banishes Romeo from Verona threatening him with death if he ever returns. Juliet learns of
Romeo killing Tybalt and despite being torn between her loyalty for her family and Romeo, mourns
her husband Romeo's banishment.
Romeo learns of the banishment order, realizing he will not be able to see Juliet again. Friar
Laurence suggests Romeo go to Juliet's bedroom to comfort his wife... Capulet, who does not know
of Romeo and Juliet's marriage, decides that the marriage of Juliet to Paris must now take place, and
he asks his wife to make Juliet aware of Paris' love for her. The day of the marriage has been
decided : it will be on the following Thursday.
We learn that Romeo has spent the night with his Juliet. Juliet who is now already secretly married
to Romeo, learns that she is to marry Paris. She tries to fight her father's wishes, failing to dissuade
him. Juliet decides to commit suicide if anything else fails...
Act IV.
Paris reveals that the wedding will occur on Thursday. Juliet is cold to Paris. Friar Laurence tells
Juliet to take a potion simulating death, allowing Romeo to take her away, unopposed to Mantua
since everyone will think she is dead at the Capulet's ancient vault or burial ground.
Capulet makes plans for Juliet's wedding. Juliet, who has decided to drink Friar Laurence's potion,
no longer opposes the wedding, to her father's great pleasure.
Hearing this good news, Capulet, who is keen to have Juliet marry Paris decides to move the
wedding forward. It will now be on Wednesday morning, not Thursday as previously planned...
Juliet succeeds in sleeping alone which allows her to take the potion in privacy. Juliet worries about
the Friar's intentions before the potion takes effect and she falls asleep...
Lady Capulet and the Nurse are busy making preparations for the wedding. It is 3 o'clock in the
morning and now Capulet hearing music announcing Paris' arrival, tells the Nurse to wake Juliet up.
The Capulets learn that their daughter Juliet is dead. The wedding preparations are changed into
those of a funeral.
Act V.
In Mantua, Romeo learns of Juliet's death, deciding to risk his own life by returning to Verona at
once to see Juliet one last time. Romeo also buys some poison from a local Apothecary.
Friar John explains to Friar Laurence that his letter informing Romeo that Juliet is not dead, did not
reach Romeo. Friar Laurence tries again to inform Romeo of his plan and heads off to the Capulets'
burial chamber where Juliet will soon awake.
Paris mourns his bride that never was. Romeo arrives, opening Juliet's coffin to look at his love one
last time. Paris fights Romeo whom he believes is desecrating Juliet's grave. Paris dies, Romeo
placing him beside Juliet. Romeo takes his poison, kisses Juliet and dies. Friar Laurence arrives too
late. Juliet, now awakens, asking for her Romeo. Friar Laurence leaves the tomb, leaving Juliet

alone. Juliet kisses Romeo and stabs herself to death. The Prince, Capulets, and Montagues arrive,
Balthasar and Friar Laurence explaining all. Escalus scolds the two families who finally end their
feud. The play ends with the Prince summarizing this tragic love story.
The main themes which are developed in the play are :
- Love :
Romeo and Juliet is sometimes considered to have no unifying theme, except that of young love.
Romeo and Juliet have become emblematic of young lovers and doomed love. It is the obvious
subject of the play.
Romeo and Juliet is the most famous love story in the English literary tradition. Love is naturally
the plays dominant and most important theme. The play focuses on romantic love, specifically the
intense passion that springs up at first sight between Romeo and Juliet. In Romeo and Juliet, love is
a violent force that is tronger than all other values, loyalties, and emotions. In the course of the play,
the young lovers are driven to defy their entire social world: families (Deny thy father and refuse
thy name, Juliet asks, Or if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, / And Ill no longer be a
Capulet), friends (Romeo abandons Mercutio and Benvolio after the feast in order to go to Juliets
garden), and ruler (Romeo returns to Verona for Juliets sake after being exiled by the Prince. Love
is the main theme of the play, but the reader should always remember that Shakespeare does not
portray a prettied-up, dainty version of the emotion, the kind that bad poets write about, and whose
bad poetry Romeo reads as he is still in love with Rosaline. Love in Romeo and Juliet is a brutal,
powerful emotion that captures individuals and catapults them against their world, and, at times,
against themselves.
- Fate :
In its first address to the audience, the Chorus states that Romeo and Juliet are star-crossedthat
is to say that fate (a power often set in the movements of the stars) controls them . This sense of fate
is really present in the play, and not just for the audience. The characters also are quite aware of it:
Romeo and Juliet constantly see omens. When Romeo believes that Juliet is dead, he cries out,
Then I defy you, stars, completing the idea that the love between Romeo and Juliet is in
opposition to the decrees of destiny. Of course, Romeos defiance itself plays into the hands of fate,
and his determination to spend eternity with Juliet results in their deaths. The mechanism of fate
works in all of the events surrounding the lovers: the conflict between their families (This hatred is
never explained. The reader must accept it as an undeniable aspect of the world of the play), the
horrible series of accidents that ruin Friar Lawrences well-intentioned plans at the end of the play,
and the tragic timing of Romeos suicide and Juliets awakening. These events are not mere
coincidences, but rather manifestations of fate that help bring about the unavoidable outcome of the
young lovers deaths.
- Duality (light and dark) :
Shakespeare uses light and dark imagery throughout the play. Some consider the theme of light as
"symbolic of the natural beauty of young love". For example, both Romeo and Juliet see the other
as light in a surrounding darkness. Romeo describes Juliet as being like the sun, brighter than a
torch, a jewel sparkling in the night, and a bright angel among dark clouds. Even when she lies
apparently dead in the tomb, he says her "beauty makes this vault a feasting presence full of light."
Juliet describes Romeo as "day in night" and "whiter than snow upon a raven's back." This contrast
of light and dark symbolises the contrast between love and hate, youth and age in a metaphoric way.
The "light" theme in the play is also heavily connected to the theme of time, since light was a
convenient way for Shakespeare to express the passage of time through descriptions of the sun,
moon, and stars.

- Time
Time plays an important role in the language and plot of the play. Both Romeo and Juliet struggle to
maintain an imaginary timeless world in opposition to the harsh realities that surround them. For
instance, when Romeo swears his love to Juliet by the moon, she protests "O swear not by the
moon, th'inconstant moon, / That monthly changes in her circled orb, / Lest that thy love prove
likewise variable."
From the very beginning, the lovers are designated as "star-cross'd" referring to an astrologic belief
associated with time. Stars were thought to control the fates of humanity, and as time passed, stars
moved along their course in the sky, accompanying the course of human lives below. Romeo speaks
of a foreboding he feels in the stars' movements early in the play, and when he learns of Juliet's
death, he defies the stars' course for him.
Another central theme is haste: Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet takes place on a period of four to
six days. Time is important to Shakespeare in this play, as he uses references to "short-time" for the
young lovers as opposed to references to "long-time" for the "older generation". Therefore, it
highlights headlong rush towards doom". Romeo and Juliet fight time to make their love last
forever. In the end, the only way they seem to defeat time is through a death that makes them
immortal through art.
Time is also connected to the theme of light and dark. In Shakespeare's time, plays were most often
performed at noon or in the afternoon in broad daylight. This forced the playwright to use words to
create the illusion of day and night in his plays. Shakespeare uses references to the night and day,
the stars, the moon, and the sun to create this illusion. He also makes his characters frequently refer
to the days of the week and specific hours to help the audience understand that time has passed in
the story.