Tybalt & Benvolio Flashcards
Tybalt is:
A. Lady Capulet’s nephew
B. Juliet’s nephew
C. the Prince’s nephew
A. Lady Capulet says that Tybalt is her nephew — her “brother’s child”.
How is Benvolio related to Romeo?
Benvolio is Romeo’s cousin. Montague (Romeo’s father) addresses Benvolio as “nephew”
Give an example of some advice that Benvolio gives Romeo.
When Romeo is in love with Rosaline, Benvolio advises him to “forget to think of her.”
What impression do you get of Benvolio and Romeo’s relationship?
Give reasons for your answer.
Benvolio and Romeo’s friendship seems strong. Benvolio supports Romeo, trying to cheer him up in Act 1, Scene 1 by telling him to “Examine other beauties” and encouraging him to go to the Capulets’ party. He is also loyal to Romeo — he encourages Romeo to “be gone” when Romeo kills Tybalt and speaks in his cousin’s defence after he flees.
How does Shakespeare show positive aspects of Tybalt’s character?
Shakespeare shows Tybalt’s positive side by having Juliet and the Nurse mourn him. The Nurse describes Tybalt as “courteous”, “honest” and “the best friend I had”. Although the Nurse is probably exaggerating, this still suggests that she valued Tybalt. Juliet seems to agree, calling Tybalt her “dearest cousin” and feeling “woe” at his death. The fact that these characters mourn Tybalt suggests there’s a positive side to his character.
Who is more aggressive — Tybalt or Benvolio?
Give reasons for your answer.
Tybalt. Benvolio attempts to stop fights and asks characters to “Put up” their “swords”. In contrast, Tybalt says that he hates “peace” and wants to fight at every opportunity, including chance encounters in the street and when he hears Romeo at the Capulet’s party.
