Origin
Like several others, the origin of this phrase is also traced to Shakespeare. He has used this phrase in Act-II, Scene-II of his play, Romeo and Juliet. This scene takes place on the balcony, when Juliet says, “Sweet, so would I: / Yet I should kill thee with much cherishing. / Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow.”
Romeo and Juliet talked to each other the whole night, and made a plan that Romeo would send her a message the next morning about where they could get married. Here,df Juliet feels sadness and sorrow for saying goodbye, not knowing that what is coming their way would be beautiful, when they would see each other again.
Meaning
Romeo and Juliet, being lovers, are desperately waiting to be together. This is the point when Juliet says goodbye to her lover, Romeo, anticipating another meeting the next day. In fact, she refers to the pain they had faced since their relationship started. It hurts her to leave Romeo. However, parting hurts her so much, yet it intensifies her feelings for him. She wishes to tell him goodbye repeatedly until morning comes. Simply, you can understand the line that lovers hate to separate from each other when they are in love.
Usage
The phrase is very commonly used in advertisements, and lovebirds often use it in their practical life. It may carry different meanings to different people. Some use it as a verbal wistful kiss at night, while others use it as an expression to their undying love, and still some others may use it to highlight the nature of their relationships. Parting is painful, because a beloved prefers to trap her lover in twisted chains. Fast friends can also use it jokingly when they part after finishing classes.
Literary Source
Juliet says this phrase in Act-II, Scene-II of Romeo and Juliet, when she parts from Romeo for a short time at night. This scene goes on as:
ROMEO
I would I were thy bird.JULIET
Sweet, so would I:
Yet I should kill thee with much cherishing.Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow,
That I shall say good night till it be morrow.
(Act-II, Scene-II, Lines 188-189)
Juliet says this line to say goodnight to her lover, Romeo. This sorrowful parting gives them pleasure and looks “sweet” as it gives them hope to see each other again the next morning.
Literary Analysis
This line manifests the inner pleasure and gladness of love that lovers experience when they meet and part, to meet again. Juliet clearly feels the moment of sadness and joy simultaneously. Love can transcend normal experiences and expectations, such that Juliet’s sense of sorrow turns into sweetness and joy. To fall in love with someone is a gift. To feel sorry when parting is a sign of deep love that brings anticipation of another meeting, and hence joy.
This phrase has become an iconic line of the play. For instance, to enjoy the taste of food, one must experience hunger, and to be really happy, one must experience deep sadness. The same is the situation with Juliet, as telling Romeo goodbye triggers her deep emotions; nevertheless, sadness reminds her of their deep love, and hence it is sweet. This means, saying goodbye initiates an anticipation of meeting him again.
Literary Devices
- Oxymoron: “Sweet sorrow” is a combination of opposite ideas of joy and pain.
- Alliteration: Alliteration is clear in “such sweet sorrow” as all three words start with a consonant sound.