In this quote from "Romeo and Juliet," Shakespeare explores the multifaceted nature of love. He begins by likening love to smoke, which is ephemeral and intangible, created from the deep sighs of lovers. Love is portrayed as something that can ignite passion, like a fire that shines in the eyes of those who are in love. However, the imagery shifts to depict love as a tormenting sea filled with tears, emphasizing the pain and turmoil that can come with emotional attachment.

Shakespeare further illustrates love as a complex experience, describing it as a "madness most discreet," reflecting both its irrationality and its allure. He contrasts the sweetness of love with its bitterness, capturing the duality of passion that can be both uplifting and suffocating. Overall, the quote illustrates love's power to inspire joy and suffering, revealing it as a profound and often contradictory facet of the human experience.