Benvolio Flashcards
I do but keep the peace. Put up thy sword, Or manage it to part these men with me’.
Keep the peace’ —> verb —> ‘keep’ —> draw attention to his character and his purpose to the play as a character that maintains peace.
• ‘Peace’ —> in the sequencing of the play —> first to mention the idea of peace. This reinforces his persona as an advocate of peace. This portrays him as a foil to Tybalt who is the first character to reference ‘hate’.
• ‘Put up thy sword’ —> repeats his request using imperative ‘put up’ similar to in his previous quote. The use of repetition reinforces his urgency in maintaining peace and avoiding conflict. In this, he portrays himself as a character juxtaposing other men of the Renaissance Era since he does not exhibit any male bravado but is rational and calming.
See, where he comes: so please you, step aside; I’ll know his grievance, or be much denied.’
Romeo’s parents are unable to identify the cause for his melancholy however Benvolio feels confident that he will be able to ascertain this information which provides insight into the closeness of their relationship – both as cousins and friends.
• Benvolio’s belief in his abilities to understand his friend is supported through the use of ‘I’ll know’.
Alas that love so gentle in his view, should be so tyrannous and rough in proof.’
Benvolio continues to offer his sympathies to Romeo. He acknowledges that Romeo’s perception of love may not adhere to his actual experience.
• Use of the adjectives ‘tyrannous’ and ‘rough’ allows Benvolio to acknowledge Romeo’s depth of sadness as his experience of love is being presented as particularly difficult. In this, he sympathises with Romeo’s plight showing their close bond and his understanding that Romeo needs comfort
Compare her face with some that I shall show, and I will make thee think thy swan a crow.’
Benvolio continues to take charge of Romeo’s circumstances to try and better his mood.
• He gives explicit instruction for Romeo to turn his attentions to other women so that he may see the flaws in
Rosaline’s supposed beauty. Swans were considered the epitome of beauty and grace in direct contrast to
crows who were seen as unsightly and a bad omen.
Romeo! My cousin Romeo! Romeo!’
Benvolio continues to search for Romeo, revealing his genuine worry and care for him.
• The repetition of ‘Romeo’ shows how desperately worried about his cousin and how caring for his family is
his primary concern.
• His sense of urgency is also reinforced through the use of consecutive exclamatory sentences indicating his
growing worry.
He ran this way and leapt this orchard wall. Call good Mercutio.’
Benvolio does not give up, continuing to try to find Romeo, signifying his determination to find Romeo, cementing himself as a benevolent cousin.
• Benevolence links back to his name ‘Benvolio’, underscoring his kind and considerate nature.
Go, then; for ‘tis in vain to seek him here that means not to be found.’
Benvolio finally realises that Romeo does not want to be found.
• This highlights Benvolio’s ability to understand Romeo and the reasons for his actions and decisions.
I pray thee, good Mercutio, let’s retire: the day is hot…’
Benvolio has a level of insight as he recognises that tensions are high shown through the use of the adjective ‘hot’. This differs from the typical renaissance man who would seek for a reason to fight. Shakespeare may have done this to criticise toxic masculinity in the renaissance.
• Benvolio also uses flattery in order to persuade Mercutio from acting hasty and instigating more conflict.
We talk here in the public haunt of men: either withdraw unto some private place… Or else depart; here all eyes gaze
on us.’
• He’s being benevolent and trying to placate the situation by trying to calm things down by talking elsewhere
• Thinking of the consequences rather the now and is showing his maturity by trying to not fight
‘Tybalt, here slain, whom Romeo’s hand did slay…’
• Benvolio’s tone here is very factual.
• Highlights his truthful and honest nature, as well as his levelheaded approach to the pursuit of peace.
• The use of verbs ‘slay’ and ‘slain’ highlight his honest and impartial nature, as he does not try to paint the
situation differently just because it was Romeo who killed Tybalt.
‘This is the truth or let Benvolio die’
• ‘This is the truth’ —> short sentence indicates his sense of strong conviction in his beliefs of the truth. Also, in the reference to the noun —> ‘truth’ —> demonstrates how his character is an embodiment of the truth and honesty. This portrays him as a sincere character and one that endeavours for the truth.
