R&J - Benvolio Flashcards
What does Benvolio represent?
Benvolio represents reasoning within the plot - although he is a similar age to Romeo, he is a counterpoint to the Friar, and is far more mature than Romeo, although unlike the other matured, adults in the play, like the Friar he wants the feud to end. He is the voice of maturity.
“Take thou some new infection to thy eye”
Does Shakespeare believe that Love is like an infection?
It does kill Romeo and Juliet - foreshadowing.
SO one interpretation of this is that the play is arguing against the type of passion that Romeo and Juliet have that they believe is love.
Specifically to the ‘eye’ - Romeo’s love for Rosaline was not deep but was only lust - Shakespeare is pointing out that ‘love’ for young men in a Patriarchal society was simply about sexual desire so when Benvolio says “examine other beauties” or take a “new infection” he is simply suggesting that Romeo’s lust for Rosaline can easily be replaced by lust for another beautiful woman.
Benvolio’s maturity is once again demonstrated here since he was proved right: not long after, Romeo falls in love with Juliet.
