Question

romeo and juliet
by william shakespeare
act 1, scene 5 (excerpt)
in this scene, the capulets are preparing for a ball. it is there that
romeo sees juliet for the first time and becomes enamored with
her.
a hall in capulets house
(enter capulet, with juliet and others of his house,
mooting the guests and maskers)
(1) romeo: what lady is that, which doth enrich the hand
of yonder knight?
servant: i know not, sir.
romeo: o, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!
(5) it seems she hangs upon the cheek of night
as a rich jewel in an ethiopes ear,
beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear!
so shows a snowy dove trooping with crows
as yonder lady oer her fellows shows.
(10) the measure done, ill watch her place of stand,
and touching hers, make blessed my rude hand.
did my heart love till now? forswear it, sight!
for i neer saw true beauty till this night
select the correct answer from the drop down menu.
read the following excerpt from the text
romeo: o, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!
(5) it seems she hangs upon the cheek of night
as a rich jewel in an ethiopes ear,
beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear!
what does the phrase \hangs upon the cheek of night\ mean?
romeo says juliet \hangs upon the cheek of night,\ meaning

Explanation:

In this excerpt from Romeo and Juliet, Romeo is using a metaphor. He compares Juliet to a "rich jewel" against the "cheek of night" (the dark night - sky). Metaphorically, the "cheek of night" represents the darkness of the night. When he says she "hangs upon the cheek of night", he is emphasizing her brightness and beauty. Just as a jewel stands out against a dark background, Juliet stands out in the darkness (the night - time setting of the ball). He is not literally saying she is in a corner of a room (the first option is incorrect). The third option about being as precious as a jewel is part of the extended metaphor but not the meaning of the specific phrase "hangs upon the cheek of night". The fourth option about being unable to use her beauty is also not related to this phrase. The key is the contrast between her brightness (like a light) and the darkness (night).

Answer:

she is a sparkling light in the darkness