R + J Benvolio Flashcards
Themes related to Benvolio?
· Conflict – Benvolio’s cautious approach to conflict defies societal expectation of men at the time.
· Kinship – Benvolio is both a cousin and loyal friend to Romeo and his allegiance to him is widely noted. In contrast to Mercutio, he appears to be deeply invested in Romeo and those around him
· Gender – Benvolio appears to challenge gender stereotypes of the time whereby he does not adhere to the traits of toxic masculinity, as embodied by Mercutio and Tybalt.
Purpose of Benvolio?
Shakespeare uses the character of Benvolio as a vehicle to contrast examples of toxic masculinity within the play and therefore showcase preferred behaviours in men.
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.
What may Benvolio’s name suggest?
A direct link shared between his name and the act of benevolence.
Three adjectives to describe Benvolio?
Level-headed
Peace-maker
Loyal
Act 1 Scene 1 - quotes Benvolio
“………., fools! …….. up your ……..”
“Part, fools! Put up your swords“
Imperative —> ‘part’ —> used to show authority as the voice of reason attempting to separate and prevent violence from occurring.
Fools - violence is futile and immature, thus implying Benvolio is more mature…
He differs from other characters in the play
> use of exclamatory language along with imperatives shows his command over others and his sense of urgency to avoid violence
Act 1 Scene 1 - quotes Benvolio
“……….. that love so ……….. in his ………, should be so ……….. and ……….. in ………..”
‘Alas that love so gentle in his view, should be so tyrannous and rough in proof.’
Benvolio continues to offer his sympathies to Romeo. He acknowledges that Romeo’s perception of love may not adhere to his actual experience.
Use of the adjectives ‘tyrannous’ and ‘rough’ allows Benvolio to acknowledge Romeo’s depth of sadness as his experience of love is being presented as particularly difficult. In this, he sympathises with Romeo’s plight showing their close bond and his understanding that Romeo needs comfort.
Unlike other male characters, Benvolio takes the time to reflect upon the impact of love whereas most others would simply ignore it or consider such reactions as cowardly which seeks to further emphasise his loyal nature.
Act 1 Scene 1 - quotes Benvolio
Act 2 Scene 1 - Quotes Benvolio
‘………….! My ………. Romeo! ………..!’
‘Romeo! My cousin Romeo! Romeo!’
Benvolio continues to search for Romeo, revealing his genuine worry and care for him.
· The repetition of ‘Romeo’ shows how desperately worried about his cousin and how caring for his family is his primary concern.
· His sense of urgency is also reinforced through the use of consecutive exclamatory sentences indicating his growing worry.
· This can also portray him as insightful since he is extremely worried perhaps due to his understanding of the dangers of being near the Capulet masquerade.
Act 2 Scene 1 - Quotes Benvolio
‘…… ….. this way and …….. this …… …… . Call good …..’
‘He ran this way and leapt this orchard wall. Call good Mercutio.’
Benvolio does not give up, continuing to try to find Romeo, signifying his determination to find Romeo, cementing himself as a benevolent cousin.
Benevolence links back to his name ‘Benvolio’, underscoring his kind and considerate nature.
Act 2 Scene 1 - Quotes Benvolio
” ‘tis in ……. to …… him here that ……… not to be …….. “
” ‘tis in vain to seek him here that means not to be found. “
Benvolio finally realises that Romeo does not want to be found.
· This highlights Benvolio’s ability to understand Romeo and the reasons for his actions and decisions.
· Benvolio’s deep understanding for Romeo further reinforces their strong bond as cousins.
Act 3 Scene 1 - Quotes Benvolio
‘I …….. thee, good ………., let’s ……..: the …… is hot…’
‘I pray thee, good Mercutio, let’s retire: the day is hot…’
Benvolio has a level of insight as he recognises that tensions are high shown through the use of the adjective ‘hot’. This differs from the typical renaissance man who would seek for a reason to fight.
Shakespeare may have done this to criticise toxic masculinity in the renaissance.
Benvolio also uses flattery in order to persuade Mercutio from acting hasty and instigating more conflict.
Constantly acts as a placating force
Benvolio
‘There lies the …….., …….. by young …….., that slew thy …….., brave ……… .’
‘There lies the man, slain by young Romeo, that slew thy kinsman, brave Mercutio.’
Mercutio is called ‘brave’ by Benvolio, demonstrates how Benvolio has been influenced by Renaissance society.
Considers those who fight in conflict to be more masculine and noble.
Benvolio is also trusted to tell the events of the conflict that took place, demonstrating how he is considered level-headed.
