Question

Read the excerpt from Act III, scene v of Romeo and Juliet.

Romeo must leave because the sun is rising, and he cannot get caught with Juliet.

Juliet: O! now be gone; more light and light it grows.

Romeo: More light and light; more dark and dark our woes.

How does Shakespeare use the motif of light?

as a source of comfort
as a cause for strength
as a symbol of maturity
as a reason for sorrow

Answer 1

as a reason for sorrow

In these lines light (daybreak) threatens the lovers: Juliet tells Romeo to leave because the growing light will reveal him, and Romeo replies that more light means darker woes—so light here brings danger and sadness rather than comfort.