The two stanzas in the poem, one by Romeo and the other by Juliet, highlight the intensity of love of the young lovers. This intensity of love is brought out by using the contrasting imagery of night and day, **** and white, bright jewel and a dark surface, snowy dove, etc. Factually speaking. the words ‘bright’ and ‘night’ appear In Romeo’ praise of Juliet’ brightness when he sees her for the first time in the feast hosted by Lord Capulet. Romeo uses the phrase ‘snowy dove’ to refer to and to distinguish Juliet from other ladies In the room. Romeo uses the word ‘crows’ to refer to the other ladies in the room. Furthermore, Romeo compares Juliet’ brightness with ‘a rich jewel’ hanging upon the cheek of an Ethiope’* ear. Romeo uses these words to highlight her beauty. It also symbolizes the emotional intensity that he shows towards Juliet.
Similarly, Juliet uses the phrase ‘day in night’ and ‘whiter than new snow on a raven’* back’ to refer to Romeo. Secondly, she uses the words ‘stars in the night sky’ to refer to Romeo. Literally speaking, both the meetings between Romeo and Juliet take place at night. Secondly, their meeting has to be a closely guarded secret because of the ‘hostility’ and the ‘enmity’ that exists between the two and families the Montagues and the Capulets.
When Romeo goes to the Capulet’ party; he goes wearing a mask at night. Similarly, he promises to meet Juliet in her chamber on the wedding night, so as not to be seen by anyone. That is why the word ‘night’ symbolically stands for ‘secrecy’ and ‘caution’ that needs to be exercised in their love affair. Thus the playwright has used the word ‘’ and ‘night’ to strengthen the emotional situation. Thematically speaking, the words ‘day and night ‘ and white ‘night’ and ‘raven’ are used to evoke the image of ‘’ whereas ‘white dove’ is a symbol of purity, peace and ‘love’. A raven or a ‘* crow’ is considered a bird of illomen.
Furthermore, ‘When I shall ’ and ‘cut him out in little stars and ‘heaven’ are expressions that clearly refer to ** and immortality. Thus, the playwright is hinting that the secret love affair between the two rivals will culminate in the tragic of Romeo and Juliet. It can also be inferred that probably Juliet has a premonition of their impending because of the fatal attraction between them and the enmity that exists between the two families. Thus, the contrasting imagery serves to highlight the Intensity of their love.
