Theme Of Water In Romeo And Juliet

Anya Mooradian
Mr. Williamson
Honors English 9AB
31 March 2023

Everyone’s heard ‘you can’t have good without evil’, but this phrase requires clarification. The acknowledgment of one outcome, undermines the opposing possibilities. A proper balance between optimism and pessimism allows a well-rounded world view. Water is the ultimate depiction of neutrality since it has both destructive and healing properties that influence all living creatures. For water to be considered the creator of all life. You must acknowledge the tears, pain, and agony that follows living. In the play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, frequent water imagery reflects the necessity of a neutral perspective to create life through the metaphorical interpretation of

For example, when Friar Lawrence compares contrasted nature ideations together, he declares, “The day to cheer, and night’s dank dew to dry,” (2.3.6). It is easy for one to be joyful in the daytime, but behind closed doors one’s face is like a leaf covered in dew drops dripping down their cheeks. The allusion of happiness, in a false attempt to cover up one’s damp and musky emotions, cannot dominate these true thoughts and feelings. They will resurface and come to light. Similarly, when the men are at Juliet’s tomb, Paris utters, “Which with sweet water nightly I will dew, / Or wanting that, with tears distilled by moans, / The obsequies that I for thee will keep/ Nightly shall be to strew thy grave and weep,” (5.3.14-17). Water may be sweet or salty, through nectar or tears. Although they appear the same, their contents

Firstly, before two sworn enemies fight to the death, Mercutio declares, “Thisbe a grey eye or so, but not to the purpose,” (2.4.37). Although one may hold their previous biases to heart, the awareness of these differences helps form a fair and clear perspective. A grey eye metaphor allows light and darkness to be visualized. Secondly, as Mercutio observes the tense atmosphere, he announces, “Nay, if our wits run the wild-goose chase, I am done; for/ thou hast more of the wild goose in one of thy wits than, I am sure, I have in my whole five,” (2.4.59-61). Predisposed judgements manipulate one’s mind, leading lives into mayhem. Chaotic imagery illustrates the manifestation of one’s thoughts, racing and constantly at war. Lastly, when the Capulets and Montagues come together for one night, Romeo insists, “So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows,” (1.5.47). One’s preconceived notions, based off of appearances, influence how one views other members of society. The snowy dove metaphor represents clean water, untainted from polluted thoughts. In order to keep the balance, individuals should be judged on depth of character, loyalty, and