RJ Quotes - Benvolio

Question 1

What is the 1st why for Benvolio and why?

Answer 1

Through the use of dramatic irony, Shakespeare provides the audience a platform to interrogate the actions of each character and identify how particular decisions lead to tragic outcomes, perhaps in the hope this growing awareness between action and reprocussion will prompt the audience to be more mindful when making their own decisions

Benvolio attempts to de-escalate the situation of violence which contrasts with other characters to show the audience how different choices may have prevented tragedy

Question 2

What is the 2nd why for Benvolio and why?

Answer 2

Shakespeare emphasises the futility of conflict, stressing how the feud between the two families continues out of a stubborn refusal to forgive or seek forgiveness, rather than for genuine irreconcilable differences

Benvolio is often the voice of reason, arguing for peace. Demonstrating how feud leads to unnecessary violence and destruction

Question 3

What is the 3rd why for Benvolio and why?

Answer 3

Shakespeare criticises the toxic masculinity within verona, whereby all men are eventually drawn into competitiveness and violence for the sake of male bravado

Benvolio often serves as a counterpoint - consistently avoids bravado and tries to resolve issues diplomatically

Question 4

What adjectives are used to describe Benvolio?

Answer 4

Peaceful
Loyal
Diplomatic
Rational

Question 5

What themes are relevant to Benvolio?

Answer 5

Conflict and its consequences
Loyalty and friendship
Toxic masculinity
Full of violence

Question 6

When was this quote stated and how it is important to the themes relevant to benvolio:

“Part fools! Put up your swords! You know not what you do.”

Answer 6

Act 1 scene 1

Benvolios first appearance establishes him as a peacekeeper trying to stop a fight, emphasising the futility of violence and the consequences of conflict

Question 7

When was this quote stated and how it is important to the themes relevant to benvolio:

“One fire burns out another’s burning, one pain is lessened by anothers anguish”

Answer 7

Act 1 scene 2

Benvolio advises romeo to move on from rosaline, reflects his practical and kind hearted nature while addressinf the themes of love’s complexities. Shows his valuable friendship.

Question 8

When was this quote stated and how it is important to the themes relevant to benvolio:

“I pray thee, good mercutio, let’s retire: the day is hot, the capulets abroad, and, if we meet, we shall not escape a brawl.”

Answer 8

Act 3 scene 1

Benvolio and mercutio are out, the tension between families are high. The scene foreshadows tybalt who ends up killing mercutio. This underscores the toxic masculinity and bravado that Mercutio and Tybalt are driven by. The futility of the conflict that benvolio tries to show is ignored - leading to consequences