Male Friendship

Question 1

Overview

Answer 1

Shakespeare uses the theme of male friendships as a vehicle to critique the toxic nature of the archetypal Elizabethan male, revealing how aggressiveness, betrayal and loyalty define these relationships

Question 2

I.L.B.R.W.Y.B.R.W.L

Answer 2

IF LOVE BE ROUGH WITH YOU, BE ROUGH WITH LOVE

Word play and imperative mood

Offers a cyclical perspective on love

Mercutio is trying to advise Romeo

Question 3

T.D.O.L

Answer 3

THAT DREAMERS OFTEN LIE

Unrealistic and blurs lines of reality

Departure from Romeo’s idealism

Humour reflects lighthearted dynamic

Question 4

N.G.R.W.M.H.Y.D

Answer 4

NAY GENTLE ROMEO, WE MUST HAVE YOU DANCE

Mercutio’s carefree nature vs Romeo’s melancholy

Different personalities

Trying to uplift Romeo’s mood

Question 5

Q.M.H.B.W.Y

Answer 5

QUEEN MAB HATH BEEN WITH YOU

Granter of dreams

Mercutio’s wit and creativity adds humour to his interactions with Romeo

Question 6

M.G.S

Answer 6

MY GOOD SON

Parental and guiding relationship

Nurturing

Friar’s mentor role as he offers Romeo wisdom

Question 7

N.T.I.T.H.B.I.T.E

Answer 7

NOT TRULY IN THEIR HEARTS BUT IN THEIR EYES

Irony & metaphor & blazon

Worrying accusation

Friar criticises Romeo’s fickle nature

Question 8

O.S.J.T.B.H.M.M.E

Answer 8

O SWEET JULIET THY BEAUTY HATH MADE ME EFFEMINATE

Metaphor

Leading to Mercutio’s death

Romeo feels his love has softened his resolve and bravery

He takes a more pacifist approach unlike his arch nemesis and friends

Question 9

B.F.O.M.D.D.D.T.B.B.T.W.O.M.E

Answer 9

BLACK FATE ON MORE DAYS DOTH DEPEND, THIS BUT BEINS THE WOE OTHERS MUST END

Foreshadows tragic chain of events

Tybalt’s death

Ending of friendships

Poignant conclusion