Theme Of Night In Romeo And Juliet

By focusing on the concept of night in the tragedy “Romeo and Juliet,” Shakespeare is able to change our perception of play through the changing view of the characters. He is able to illustrate a darker side of the characters by portraying the night as a cover or shroud. The lustfulness of the characters is brought out by the romance that the night encompasses. The changing in the opinions of the characters allows us a deeper understanding of the play itself, as a duality is present in each character, and the time of day is a medium that represents what part of that character will be evident. Shakespeare portrays the concept of darkness as a shroud or cover that provides secrecy, in order for actions that are usually forbidden to occur. This is evident in the balcony scene as Romeo serenades Juliet. As Romeo is a Montague, and Juliet a Capulet, his presence in the garden is one of great offense, and would result in
However, Romeo responds to Juliet’s warnings of the impending danger with utter confidence, stating “I have night’s cloak to hide me from [the guards’] eyes” (2.2.80). He feels confident in his hiding due to the night’s cover, even though the risk is immense. This notion of night as a shroud is also apparent in the conversation between the Nurse and Romeo. While planning the matrimony between Juliet and him, he tells the nurse, “Bring thee cords made like a tackled stair, /Which to the high topgallant of my joy/Must be my convoy in the secret night”(2.4.192-194). The wedding would have been forbidden and both parties punished severely for conversing with the other, therefore the matrimony had to be done in secret. Therefore they performed it under the cover of night, so as to remain hidden and avoid punishment. Moreover, the marriage would never