Mia Goebel Mrs. Pryor H English I 6 May 2023 The use of the symbol darkness in Romeo and Juliet Why are so many people scared of the dark? Everybody can agree that night and the darkness that comes with it portrays secrecy, and scariness, even Shakespeare. Darkness is a prominent theme in Shakespere’s “Romeo and Juliet”, which ties into themes of secrecy and forbidden love. The author's use of this symbol not only represents the sadness of this story, it also ties into the themes of forbidden love and untimely death. This symbol helps tell the story in a much clearer way. This symbol also shows how the only way to get rid of the long lasting hatred between these families is through Romeo and Juliets love and downfall, their untimely deaths. …show more content…
Romeo- "Night's candles are burnt out, and jocund day / Stands tiptoe on the misty mountain tops. / I must be gone and live, or stay and die" (3.5.9-11). Romeo has just gotten banished and has to leave Verona and head for Mantua. He is supposed to have already left hours ago, but he dangerously stayed with Juliet. He is telling her that he must leave before day comes so that no one will know he was there. This shows that secrets are best kept in the dark. The use of this symbol shows the sneakiness and secrecy of Romeo and Juliets love. As we all know, their love eventually leads them to an untimely death. Part of this symbol's meaning is foreshadowing at their future deaths caused by the long lasting