Shakepeare picked a theme that's been known to cause indigestion and sleep loss for centuries. And yet, regardless of the ills associated with it, it remains a topic of worldwide interest. And that is simply, love.

My mother says that love is one of the most overused, misunderstood words in the English language. Over time, I've asked friends what they thought "it" was. I've always received differing answers. It's when he opens the door. It's when she does the laundry. It's that thing that causes insanity. It doesn't exist. It existed only in the middle ages. It's what everyone is hunting for and no one can find. Forget about it.

Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (Tenth Edition) defines it as: 1. (1): strong affection for another rising out of kinship or personal ties. 2: warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion. 3: unselfish loyal and benevolet concern for the good of another. 4: to thrive on.

Spiritual masters say that love is all there is. They also say in order to

The imagery of light and dark, so played upon in their courting, has begun to take shape and effect the action. Evil, fate, and the realities of the outside world are becoming connected to the daytime. Love, or, "light," is possible only at night, and stands opposed to all other elements in the play.

After two scenes of preparation, we come to the party at Lord Capulets. Romeo is there to see lost love, Rosaline, and Juliet to consider marrying Paris. But, the moment Romeo sees Juliet, he praises her: "O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright (light)...Beauty to rich for use, for earth too dear." Romeo's speech contains images of Juliet as a jewel in the ear of an Ethiopian and as a dove among crows, is strong. He immediately places her in the context of whiteness, purity, and light amidst darkness.

No sooner does Romeo leave Juliet than does he run to speak to Friar Lawrence. The Friar, being a very sound and philosophical man, knows that this love cannot last. The Friar agrees to marry the two young lovers, however, his feelings about the union are described in his following words: "These violent delights have violent ends/And in their triumph die, like fire and powder/which as they kiss consume."

As Mercutio's laughter echoes down the street, Romeo sees a light coming from a window in Capulet's house. And there on the balcony, stands Juliet. Romeo is struck by Juliet's loveliness. "But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun." Romeo is enraptured. He compares her eyes to stars, saying if they were set in heaven, birds would think it was daylight by their brightness.

Moving right along, we know that both Romeo and Juliet feel doomed. They are enveloped in "darkness." The thought of Romeo's banishment creates panic in them both. However, Romeo knows he has to leave. Before he does, both he and Juliet will find a way to spend the "night" together.

In Act I, Scene IV, Romeo is still moping about lost love. Even though he's on his way to a dance, Romeo claims he wants to carry a torch, he has no interest in dancing. Mercutio, his witty friend, continually prods him until Romeo begins what becomes a playful and witty exchange of words. Although Romeo claims that he is still suffering over the loss of his great love, we begin to see a "lighter" side of his nature. However, before the scene ends, Romeo tells Mercutio about his "bad dream," and says that he is filled with premonitions of something about to happen that can only lead to his death. Again, Shakepeare is employing the technique of divide and contrast to build tension and move the play along.

By introducing Romeo in "darkness," and Juliet in "light," Shakespeare sets the stage for a contrast that he utilizes throughout the play. Romeo's darkness doesn't last long however.

Beginning in Act II, Scene I, we are introduced to a new Romeo. Gone is the sorrowful young man he once was. Even Mercutio's constant ribbing about the easily forgotten Rosaline, stirs no anger. Romeo has been transformed.

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Approximate Word count = 2304
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)