Here are some key instances of water symbolism in Romeo and Juliet:
1. The Initial Meeting: When Romeo and Juliet first meet, they are described as "two seas divided by a narrow neck of land." This metaphorical comparison suggests that they are deeply attracted to each other but separated by societal barriers. Water symbolizes the divide they must overcome to be together.
2. Juliet's Bath: In Act 3, Juliet is discovered taking a bath. The image of Juliet immersed in water suggests her purity and innocence. It also foreshadows her impending death, as she is preparing for her wedding with Paris.
3. Washing Hands: After killing Tybalt, Romeo declares, "I have washed the wound with vinegar, and killed the poison that hath infected it." This act of washing hands with water symbolizes Romeo's attempt to cleanse himself of guilt. However, the irony is that he cannot erase his crime so easily.
4. Death of Juliet: When Juliet discovers that Romeo has taken poison, she expresses the desire to drink water to quench her thirst. This imagery suggests that she seeks a form of purification and transformation in death. As she drinks the water, she imagines that it will turn into Romeo's blood, symbolizing their eternal union.
5. Apothecary: The apothecary who sells Romeo the poison is described as a "distillation." The association of the apothecary with water highlights the role of water in the tragic outcome of the play.
Overall, water symbolism in Romeo and Juliet represents the characters' inner turmoil, their attempts at purification, and the transformative power of love and death.