“Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow.”
- April 26, 1564 – April 23, 1616
- Born in England
- Playwright, poet, actor
- Wrote many masterpieces such as “Hamlet,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and “Macbeth,” and had a great influence on English literature
Quote
“Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet expresses the bittersweet emotion of parting from a loved one. “Parting is such sweet sorrow” captures the paradox of saying goodbye: while it brings sadness and longing, there is also a sense of sweetness in the anticipation of a future reunion. The phrase suggests that while separation is painful, the love and connection that exist make the sorrow bearable. The final line, “I shall say good night till it be morrow,” reflects a sense of hope and the expectation that the separation will not last long, as they will soon be reunited again.
In modern contexts, this quote resonates with the emotions tied to parting from loved ones. Whether it’s the end of a visit, the conclusion of a relationship, or the anticipation of distance, parting often brings a mix of sadness and affection. The idea that the sorrow is “sweet” captures how love can make even difficult moments more meaningful and precious, as the hope of reunion brings comfort. For instance, the sorrow of saying goodbye to a friend or partner can be softened by the anticipation of the next meeting.
This quote speaks to the complexity of human emotions in moments of departure. It suggests that parting, though painful, is part of the broader experience of love and connection. Sweet sorrow acknowledges the emotional depth that comes with being close to someone—while we may feel sadness in leaving, it is precisely the love that makes the departure meaningful and the eventual reunion so much sweeter.
