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But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks? It is…

“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. Be not her maid, since she is envious; Her vestal livery is but sick and…” quote by William Shakespeare
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“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. Be not her maid, since she is envious; Her vestal livery is but sick and green And none but fools do wear it; cast it off. It is my lady, O, it is my love! Oh, that she knew she were!”

William Shakespeare

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Juliet’s speech celebrates love’s brilliance, comparing her beloved to the sun that outshines the jealous moon.

In simple terms: Love is brighter than envy.

Key Takeaway

Value love’s radiant power.

Themes

love beauty envy

Mood

passionate dramatic

Type

poetic dramatic

When to use this quote

  • courtship
  • expressing affection
  • overcoming rivalry

Key Concepts

poetry metaphor light vs darkness

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the sun symbolize for you?
  • How does envy affect love?
A Different Perspective

The hyperbolic language may feel outdated to modern readers.

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