Position Of Men In Society

Question 1

How is libidinal competition and toxic masculinity introduced?

Answer 1

“I will push Montague’s men from the wall, and thrust his maids to the wall”

-This immediately introduces theme of libidinal competition and misogynistic tones. Highlighting the toxic masculinity in Elizabethan

Question 2

How do the servants challenge each other to libidinal competition?

Answer 2

“Draw, if you be men.”

-The conditional use of “if” shows that this feud is optional. The fact that they fight shows how male bravado trumps everything else and that to meet the unrealistic expectations placed upon men, they must fight.

Question 3

How do upperclass men denigrate women in terms of marriage (Juliet)?

Answer 3

“Younger than she are happy mothers made.”

-Paris and Lord Capulet are discussing his marriage to Juliet without her, which shows her lack of voice because she has no input on her own marriage

Question 4

What does Mercutio think of love?

Answer 4

“If love be rough with you, be rough with love”

• Mercutio views love as purely sexual, which is criticised by Shakespeare
• Shakespeare criticises society by suggesting that know one know what true love is like, and is why the wrong advice is given to Romeo and Juliet”

Question 5

How does Romeo’s implication in the feud show the effects of male bravado in Edwardian society?

Answer 5

“Fire-ey’d fury be my conduct now!”

• Romeo exposes the false social constructs of masculinity by accepting the fight and becoming directly implicated in the feud. Shakespeare exposes the fact that males cannot escape societies expectations for males to takerevenge and resort to violence