Tybalt Flashcards
Overview
Typical macho, cantankerous patriarch who dominates the atmosphere
- hates montagues
- typical macho
- fights for his family honour
What, art thou drawn among these heartless hinds
antagonist/ instigator
surprised that such a a noble man (Benvolio) has “drawn” his sword, appearing to be fighting with servants —> not have been befitting of his class
Heartless hinds” = paronomasia
insinuates minor characters Gregory and Sampson are timorous/cowardly, therefore emasculating them —> highly ironic as these servants performing menial tasks strive for dignity and recognition
Masculinity
Turn thee, Benvolio, look upon thy death
Turn - Honourable, even though cruel and violent / Observant of dignified and honourable duel — strangely believes in sportsmanship — ritualistic
Death - Tybalt prides on his fighting ability — fighting prowess. Willing/ eager to kill — murderous instincts — personifies himself as the Grim reaper
Peace? I hate the word, as I hate hell, all Montagues and thee
Hell” = God-fearing character — highly contradictory and ironic = religious hypocrite
Emphasises strength of hatred
Juxtaposition- theme of duality
Fiery tybalt
Epithet
Now, by the stock and honor of my kin, To strike him dead I hold it not a sin
rhyming couplet - adhesive memorability
- Romeos presence is disrespectful to his family honour, thus justifying his potential murder
- masculinity/ Pride/ honour
- sin - biblical connotations - sac religious - audience expect divine retribution
Thou art a villain
Tybalt confesses his hatred for Romeo - suggests that Romeo is the enemy because he is from another family.
- ironic because through Romeo’s marriage to Juliet they have joined families. While Tybalt believes that he is defending his family’s honour from Romeo, the reality is that Romeo and Tybalt are actually from the same family and so their loyalties now lie with each other.
Villain hath come in spite
- Dramatic irony - in fact Romeo is at the ball to cheer up, which propagates the conflict
