Benvolio Flashcards
(17 cards)
Overview
Shakespeare uses the character of Benvolio as a vehicle to contrast examples of toxic masculinity within the play and to place focus on the male capacity to demonstrate peace and goodwill to others, as indicated by the similarity between his name and the word ‘benevolent’. Benvolio takes a level-headed approach to matters, acting as a peace-maker in Verona whilst all the while remaining as loyal as possible to Romeo throughout.
Beginning quotes
” I do but keep the Peace up thy sword”
“Part, fools! Put up your swords—you know not what to do”
“step aside; I’ll know his grievance, or be much denied.”
Middle quotes
‘Take thou some new infection to thy eye and the rank poison of the old will die’.
“Romeo! My cousin Romeo! Romeo!”
” I pray thee, good mercutio, let’s retire … the Capulet’s, aborad”
End quotes
“Romeo, away, be gone!”
“There lies the man, slain by young Romeo, that slew thy kinsman, brave Mercutio.”
“This is the truth or let Benvolio die”
Beginning opening
At the beginning of the play, Shakespeare introduces Benvolio as a calm and peace-loving character who consistently attempts to prevent conflict. Insightful and rational, Benvolio views the ongoing violence as narrow-minded and senseless, highlighting Shakespeare’s critique of honour-driven conflict.
“Part, fools! Put up your swords—you know not what to do”
- When he exclaims, “Part, fools! Put up your swords—you know not what you do,” he immediately positions himself as a voice of reason amid the chaos.
- The imperative commands, paired with the exclamatory sentence, highlight his urgency and authority in the moment.
- The use of the adjective “fools” reinforces his disdain for the senseless violence that defines the feud, while also emphasising his utter frustration towards those part of the conflict because his attempts of resolving issues are in vain due to the stubbornness of those around him
- Although Benvolio is part of the Montague family, he juxtaposes with many others by trying to ease tensions rather than fuel them.
- His calm, peacekeeping nature makes him a stark contrast to volatile characters like Tybalt, establishing him as a moral compass early in the play.
” I do but keep the Peace. Put up thy sword Or manage it to part these men with me”
- Here, Benvolio immediately interferes in the fight between the servants of the houses of Montague and Capulet by appealing to their better natures.
- His instinct is to stop the conflict despite being surrounded by citizens instilled with hatred and encourage the fighting
- Even when provoked, Benvolio refuses to fight unless it is to stop others from harming one another.
- The repetition of “put up” underscores his commitment to non-violence, and the conditional phrasing “or manage it to part” reveals his sense of duty to intervene only as a last resort.
- Through this, Shakespeare positions Benvolio as a character who does not exhibit male bravado, but is rational and calming
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“step aside; I’ll know his grievance, or be much denied.”
- Romeo’s parents are unable to identify cause of Romeo’s melancholy, however Benvolio’s declaration of “I’ll know” reflects that he is confident he will be able to ascertain this information, providing an insight to their close relationship as cousin and friend.
- The phrase “or be much denied” shows that while he is hopeful, he acknowledges Romeo’s emotional withdrawal.
- This measured optimism portrays Benvolio as emotionally intelligent and considerate.
- Shakespeare uses him to demonstrate how friendship can be rooted in empathy and communication rather than bravado.
Middle opening
As the play progresses, Benvolio is further showed to be more mature than his friends. Through the character of Benvolio, Shakespeare stresses the significance of keeping a measured approach and not going to extremes. Through Benvolio’s character, being neither immature or violent , the audience is shown how to act in an orderly manner to avoid issues in society.
‘Take thou some new infection to thy eye and the rank poison of the old will die’.
- Benvolio encourages Romeo to abandon thoughts of Rosaline by turning his attention to another women, which is perhaps insightful since he realises Romeo is lustful for rosaline, hence calling his love for her a “poison”
- Rosaline’s effect on Romeo considered as a detrimental and damaging force and Benvolio’s deep thought out plan to rid him of this highlights his caring nature and how he simply wants his friend to be free from the shackles of his sadness
- This metaphorical language compares love to both a disease and a poison, which aligns with Renaissance beliefs in lovesickness as a physical ailment
“Romeo! My cousin Romeo! Romeo!”
- The repeated use of Romeo’s name and the exclamatory tone shows how care for his family is his primary concern and also conveys a strong sense of urgency
- Benvolio’s willingness to search for Romeo amidst a Capulet masquerade, shows both his devotion and his understanding of the risks involved, especially with tensions between families running high.
- This moment highlights his protective nature and emotional awareness, traits that distinguish him from more reckless characters.
” I pray thee, good mercutio, let’s retire … the Capulet’s, aborad”
- Benvolio’s peacekeeping nature is clearly displayed when he urges, “I pray thee, good Mercutio, let’s retire… the Capulets, abroad.”
- The use of the polite phrase “I pray thee” reflects his respectful and diplomatic nature , suggesting he is cautious not to provoke Mercutio while still encouraging him to avoid unnecessary confrontation.
- This highlights Benvolio’s emotional intelligence and calm temperament.
- His awareness that “the Capulets [are] abroad” reveals his attentiveness to the dangerous environment, reinforcing his role as a rational observer who tries to prevent conflict before it erupts.
- In contrast to Mercutio’s fiery and impulsive nature, Benvolio acts as a voice of reason, further establishing his function as a stabilising presence in the play.
End opening
As the play comes to a close, Benvolio’s steady commitment to peace and his loyalty to Romeo, challenge traditional expectations of male behaviour, presenting a character whose moral clarity expose the destructiveness of impulsive violence.
“Romeo, away, be gone!”
- Instead of letting his exasperation take control of him, he still thinks clearly about the safety of his friend through the phrase ‘Romeo, away be gone.’
- The use of an imperative and exclamatory tone illustrates his fear and frustration but wants Romeo to leave as he knows he will face devastating consequences.
- Aware of the legal consequences of Romeo’s actions, Benvolio acts quickly to protect his friend, revealing the strength of their bond.
- His prioritisation of Romeo’s safety over loyalty to the law highlights his compassion.
- In a society driven by honour and revenge, Benvolio’s response is a refreshing display of humanity and care.
“We talk here in the public haunt of men either withdraw unto some private place … or else depart”
- Benvolio is aware of their position and attempts to alter this as a means to avoid conflict. Benvolio is mindful of cause and effect and tries to ensure that tensions do not boil over between the families.
- The use of the verb ‘withdraw’ demonstrates Benvolio’s willingness to remove himself and others from the situation as a means to preserve their honour
- He is not afraid to walk away from conflict - a trait that most male characters do not possess.
“There lies the man, slain by young Romeo, that slew thy kinsman, brave Mercutio.”
- Later, Benvolio recounts the fatal events to the Prince, explaining, “There lies the man, slain by young Romeo, that slew thy kinsman, brave Mercutio.”
- The fact that he is trusted to deliver the account shows that he is respected for his honesty and level-headedness.
- This is demonstrative of his strong moral compass, which urges him to share the truth and navigate his existence in the most honourable way possible.
- Alternatively, Benvolio’s decision to admit Romeo’s involvement may cause audiences to question his loyalty however, the audiences must remember that Benvolio does attempt to explain Romeo’s initial attempt to avoid conflict.
- Despite his usual neutrality, he refers to Mercutio as “brave,” which shows that the patriarchy leaves an unconscious bias in him, as Mercutio’s actions were in fact foolish
- Shakespeare presents him as a generally impartial figure, even though he is capable of human emotion.
“This is the truth or let Benvolio die”
- Benvolio’s final emphasis on truth and justice is shown when he states, “This is the truth, or let Benvolio die.”
- His willingness to stake his life on his honesty illustrates his moral conviction and shows that justice is something he highly values
- The short, declarative sentence underscores the seriousness of his claim and reinforces the audience’s trust in his reliability.
- Referring to himself in the third person adds a formal, almost oath-like tone, emphasising his integrity.
- Through Benvolio, Shakespeare portrays the ideal of truthfulness in a world riddled with deceit and impulsive decisions.
