Friendships Flashcards
(15 cards)
thesis statement
Shakespeare uses Romeo and Juliet as a vehicle to explore the complexities and contradictions of male friendships in a patriarchal society. Through the intense bonds between characters like Romeo, Mercutio, and Benvolio, the play presents friendship as both a source of emotional support and a catalyst for violence. These relationships are shaped by honour, loyalty, and the pressures of toxic masculinity, where affection must be masked by humour or aggression. While Benvolio represents a more caring and rational model of friendship, Mercutio embodies the destructive consequences of pride and provocation. Ultimately, Shakespeare reveals how male friendships in Verona are governed less by emotional openness and more by the societal expectation to defend honour—even at the cost of life.
beginning quotes
“My naked sword is out”
“Good morrow cousin” benvolio to Romeo
- “O, teach me how I should forget to think!” Romeo to benvolio
- “Nay, gentle Romeo, we must have you dance.” Mercutio to Romeo
- “My naked sword is out”
(1) At the beginning of the play, during the street brawl between the Montagues and Capulets, (2) Gregory and Samson (3) reveal how (4) “my naked sword is out”. (5) Shakespeare (6) employs the violent image (7) of the “naked sword” (8) fused with (9) the phallic implication of male dominance (10) to convey (11) aggressive masculine power. (12) The adjective “naked” (13) ‘…’ (14) suggests vulnerability yet also a raw, uncontrolled violence, creating the impression of (15) chaotic and toxic power. (16) Furthermore, (15) the word “sword” (17) ‘…’ (18) connotes (19) patriarchal aggression that governs Verona.
Alternative interpretation: The naked sword may also symbolise a readiness for impulsive action, showing how power is reactive and based on pride rather than strategy.
- “Good morrow cousin” benvolio to Romeo
(1) Early in the play, after Romeo has been melancholic, (2) Benvolio (3) states (4) “Good morrow, cousin”. (5) Shakespeare (6) uses friendly and familial language (7) to show warmth and loyalty (8) combined with (9) a calm tone and measured speech (10) to suggest (11) emotional rather than physical power. (12) The word “cousin” (13) ‘…’ (14) symbolises kinship (15) and trust. (16) Moreover, (15) the phrase “Good morrow” (17) ‘…’ (18) connotes respect and stability (19), presenting power through unity rather than conflict.
- “O, teach me how I should forget to think!” Romeo to benvolio
(1) In the first act, after being heartbroken, (2) Romeo (3) exclaims (4) “O, teach me how I should forget to think!”. (5) Shakespeare (6) uses emotional vulnerability (7) and rhetorical questioning (8) combined with (9) exclamatory tone (10) to express (11) the power of love and emotional dependence. (12) The phrase “forget to think” (13) ‘…’ (14) suggests love’s overpowering nature (15) that clouds reason. (16) Additionally, (15) the imperative “teach me” (17) ‘…’ (18) implies Romeo’s surrender of power to another, revealing inner weakness (19).
- “Nay, gentle Romeo, we must have you dance.” Mercutio to Romeo
(1) At the Capulet party, (2) Mercutio (3) asserts (4) “we must have you dance.” (5) Shakespeare (6) uses imperative tone (7) and persuasive language (8) fused with (9) jovial energy (10) to show (11) the power of male camaraderie. (12) The phrase “we must” (13) ‘…’ (14) implies social coercion (15) and the pressure of masculine norms. (16) Furthermore, (15) “gentle Romeo” (17) ‘…’ (18) suggests (19) affectionate dominance within friendships.
middle quotes
- “Romeo, my cousin Romeo, Romeo!” Benvolio
- “Tybalt, you ratcatcher, will you walk?” mercutio
- “Courage, man, the hurt cannot be much.” Romeo to mercutio
- “O, I am Fortune’s fool!” Romeo after killing tybalt
- “Romeo, my cousin Romeo, Romeo!” Benvolio
(1) In the heat of conflict, (2) Benvolio (3) exclaims (4) “Romeo, my cousin Romeo, Romeo!”. (5) Shakespeare (6) repeats Romeo’s name (7) for emotional emphasis (8) fused with (9) direct address (10) to indicate (11) the desperation and power of kinship. (12) The repetition (13) ‘…’ (14) connotes panic and urgency (15), highlighting emotional authority in times of crisis. (16) Moreover, (15) “my cousin” (17) ‘…’ (18) symbolises (19) the responsibility family members feel to protect one another.
- “Tybalt, you ratcatcher, will you walk?” mercutio
(1) Before the fatal duel, (2) Mercutio (3) taunts (4) “Tybalt, you ratcatcher, will you walk?”. (5) Shakespeare (6) uses insult and challenge (7) fused with the metaphor (8) “ratcatcher” and (9) plosive sounds (10) to communicate (11) aggressive masculine power. (12) The term “ratcatcher” (13) ‘…’ (14) implies disdain and mockery (15). (16) Additionally, (15) “will you walk?” (17) ‘…’ (18) suggests a formal, honour-based power struggle (19) rooted in toxic pride.
Alternative interpretation: Mercutio’s use of humour here also undermines Tybalt’s power, showing wit as a form of control.
- “Courage, man, the hurt cannot be much.” Romeo to mercutio
(1) After Mercutio is wounded, (2) Romeo (3) says (4) “Courage, man, the hurt cannot be much.” (5) Shakespeare (6) uses minimisation of pain (7) fused with (9) comforting tone (10) to reflect (11) emotional suppression. (12) The word “courage” (13) ‘…’ (14) suggests the societal expectation for men to stay strong (15). (16) Furthermore, (15) “cannot be much” (17) ‘…’ (18) symbolises (19) the denial of weakness, revealing how power comes from appearing unfazed.
- “O, I am Fortune’s fool!” Romeo after killing tybalt
(1) After killing Tybalt, (2) Romeo (3) exclaims (4) “O, I am Fortune’s fool!”. (5) Shakespeare (6) uses personification of Fortune (7) fused with (9) emotional tone (10) to suggest (11) lack of control. (12) The word “fool” (13) ‘…’ (14) implies (15) helplessness and a loss of agency. (16) Additionally, (15) the phrase suggests (17) ‘…’ (18) Romeo is a victim of fate’s power (19), not his own decisions.
end quotes
- “What says Romeo?” Friar
- “So shalt thou show me friendship” Romeo to Balthasar
- “Live and be prosperous, and farewell, good fellow.” Romeo to Balthasar
- “What says Romeo?” Friar
(1) Near the tragic ending, (2) Friar Lawrence (3) asks (4) “What says Romeo?”. (5) Shakespeare (6) uses questioning (7) fused with (9) concern (10) to suggest (11) a shift in power – adults now seek Romeo’s judgement. (12) The question (13) ‘…’ (14) implies (15) Romeo’s words hold weight. (16) Furthermore, (15) “What says” (17) ‘…’ (18) symbolises (19) Romeo’s growing influence and maturity.
- “So shalt thou show me friendship” Romeo to Balthasar
(1) As he plans his death, (2) Romeo (3) asserts (4) “So shalt thou show me friendship.” (5) Shakespeare (6) uses manipulation (7) and emotional blackmail (8) fused with (9) conditional language (10) to convey (11) power through guilt. (12) The phrase “show me” (13) ‘…’ (14) implies (15) Romeo’s expectation of obedience. (16) Additionally, (15) “friendship” (17) ‘…’ (18) symbolises (19) the control he exercises through emotional ties.
- “Live and be prosperous, and farewell, good fellow.” Romeo to Balthasar
(1) Before dying, (2) Romeo (3) states (4) “Live and be prosperous, and farewell, good fellow.” (5) Shakespeare (6) uses formal tone (7) fused with (9) respectful farewell (10) to present (11) noble power in death. (12) The phrase “live and be prosperous” (13) ‘…’ (14) suggests (15) Romeo’s final act of care. (16) Furthermore, (15) “good fellow” (17) ‘…’ (18) implies (19) mutual respect, presenting power as selfless and dignified.
