Act 1 Scene 1 Flashcards
‘What, art thou drawn among these heartless hinds?’
Use of unprovoked violence further indicates how Tybalt is filled with rage and aggression.
• Use of alliteration brings attention to Tybalt’s determination to provoke Benvolio into conflict through a deliberate insult – ‘heartless hinds’ as a reference to servants who lack courage.
• Shakespeare introduces Benvolio and Tybalt simultaneously in order to emphasise the hostile and aggressive
nature of Tybalt compared to Benvolio’s kind natured approach.
‘What, drawn and talk of peace?’
• Tybalt cannot fathom any mention of peace when surrounded by weaponry, as demonstrated by his posing of a question.
• Despite Benvolio’s attempts to placate the situation, Tybalt cannot help but increase tensions between both families.
‘I hate the word, as I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee: Have at thee, coward!’
• ‘Hate’ – noun used to bring attention to Tybalt’s intense dislike for the enemy as well as any prospect of peace. Tybalt embodies the toxic masculinity which permeates the entirety of the play. His use of derogatory terms such ‘coward’ is used to try and instigate violence.
• First character to mention hatred in the play, which brings attention to Tybalt’s role as a catalyst for violence.
• Use of consecutive exclamatory sentences further emphasises Tybalt’s strong feelings of hatred. He appears unable to control his emotions or regulate his behaviour towards others.
• Comparison of Montagues to ‘hell’ would be particularly impactful given the Renaissance society’s strong focus on religion. Significant declaration in terms of capturing Tybalt’s hatred for the opposing family.
