How Shakespeare uses light and dark imagery in Romeo and Juliet

Introduction

With Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare reached a level of success in characterization and design far above the bombastic and chaotic world of Titus Andronicus. Based on a long narrative and heavily moralized poem by Arthur Brooke, this tragedy of “star-crossed lovers” excites the imagination by depicting the fatal consequences of a feud between the Veronese families of Montague and Capulet. Distinguished by some of Shakespeare's most beautiful poetry, the style bears a strong resemblance to that of the sonnets: elaborate conceits, classical allusions, witty paradoxes, and observations on the sad consequences of sudden changes of fortune (Battenhouse, 69).

Discussion

This story of lovers is one of the most influential and the most debated dramas. The author at times is compassionate toward Romeo and Juliet, and in featuring their misfortune to luck, pretty than to a imperfection in their characters, he elevated them to altitudes near perfection, as well as successively the threat of crafting pity, not disaster. They are earnest, kind, daring, dedicated, upright, and frantically in love, and their misfortune is superior because of their purity. The argument between the lovers' families symbolizes the destiny which Romeo and Juliet are incapable to conquer. The lines confine in the drama the young and undemanding excitement which exemplifies the drama.

Some critics have in fact faulted the tragedy because its plot lacks the integrity of its poetry; Romeo and Juliet come to their fates by a series of accidents and coincidences that strain credulity. The play also features abundant comic touches provided by the remarks of Romeo's bawdy, quick-witted friend Mercutio and the sage but humorous observations of Juliet's nurse. Both of these “humor” characters (character types whose personalities are determined by one trait, or “humor”) remark frequently, and often bawdily, on the innocent ...