Light and Dark
As with so much of Shakespeare, the symbolism is always complex. Romeo and Juliet continually refer to each other in terms of light. They are “star-cross’d lovers” from the start. Romeo sees Juliet lit by a light in the darkness. Yet, throughout the play they are forced to cover their actions in darkness. They must hide in order to keep others in the dark. Though light is commonly associated with the good and dark associated with the bad, the darkness facilitates the love between Romeo and Juliet and light is the evil which exposes their tragic end.
Night time
Along with light and dark, the night plays a crucial role in the play. Night is often associated with evil and even old age. Yet, in Romeo and Juliet, the night facilitates the marriage between the two lovers. Night is the cover for all of their meetings and time together, including their covert marriage. But night is also the cover for plots and schemes. The two lovers also commit suicide in the night and morning brings the final reconciliation between the feuding families.
Poison
This two plays a double role in the play. It is the metaphor of the hatred between the Capulets and the Montagues. It is the sleeping potion designed to bring Romeo and Juliet together at last. And poison is the method of suicide. Poison in Romeo and Juliet is both a medicine and a toxin.