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All Site ContentRomeo and JulietAct 2Scene 2
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"It is the east, and Juliet is the sun"
Imagery
Act 2,
Scene 2
Lines 2-6

The imagery of a sunrise and light streaming from Juliet's window is part of this famous speech by Romeo in myShakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Act 2, Scene 2.

Romeo

But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks?
It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.
Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,
Who is already sick and pale with grief,
That thou, her maid, art far more fair than she.

Shakespeare begins this famous speech with light imagery. Romeo can see light streaming from Juliet’s bedroom window though she is not visible. He compares this image to that of a sunrise when the sun’s rays are radiating above the horizon though the sun itself is not yet visible.