BENVOLIO
“I pray thee, good Mercutio, let’s retire.
The day is hot, the Capels are abroad,
And if we meet we shall not ’scape a brawl,
For now, these hot days, is the mad blood stirring.”
Explanation:
Benvolio tries to convince Mercutio to leave the street because it’s a hot day, and the Capulets (the rival family) are around. He knows that because of the heat and tension, it’s easy for a fight to break out. Benvolio is trying to avoid trouble.
Analysis:
Benvolio is the voice of reason in the play. He seeks to avoid conflict and encourages peace. This line highlights the tension between the families and how minor triggers can lead to fights.
Language Device:
- Metaphor: “Mad blood stirring” is a metaphor meaning that the heated weather is causing tempers to flare and violent feelings to rise.
- Foreshadowing: The mention of “brawl” hints that a fight will happen later.
MERCUTIO
“Thou art like one of these fellows that, when
he enters the confines of a tavern, claps me his
sword upon the table and says “God send me no
need of thee” and, by the operation of the second
cup, draws him on the drawer when indeed there is
no need.”
Explanation:
Mercutio makes fun of Benvolio by comparing him to someone who pretends to be peaceful in a tavern but then picks fights after a drink. He mocks Benvolio’s sudden mood swings.
Analysis:
Mercutio is sarcastic and humorous, showing his playful, yet hot-headed nature. His comment here is designed to tease Benvolio for being quick to quarrel despite claiming to be peaceful.
Language Device:
- Irony: Mercutio highlights the hypocrisy in someone who appears calm but is eager to fight when provoked.
BENVOLIO
“Am I like such a fellow?”
Explanation:
Benvolio asks if Mercutio really thinks he behaves in that way.
Analysis:
Benvolio is trying to defend himself and deny Mercutio’s accusation. He seems a little confused by Mercutio’s statement, wanting to clarify it.
MERCUTIO
“Come, come, thou art as hot a jack in thy
mood as any in Italy, and as soon moved to be
moody, and as soon moody to be moved.”
Explanation:
Mercutio laughs and tells Benvolio that he’s just as quick to get angry as anyone. He’s basically calling him hot-headed.
Analysis:
Mercutio is once again mocking Benvolio. The repetition of “as soon” emphasizes how easily Benvolio gets upset.
Language Device:
- Repetition: Repeating “as soon” draws attention to Benvolio’s quick temper.
- Alliteration: “Hot a jack” creates a rhythmic quality and emphasizes Mercutio’s teasing tone.
BENVOLIO
“And what to?”
Explanation:
Benvolio responds simply, asking, “What are you going to do about it?”
Analysis:
Benvolio doesn’t seem to take Mercutio’s teasing seriously, showing that he isn’t easily offended.
MERCUTIO
“Nay, an there were two such, we should
have none shortly, for one would kill the other.
Thou—why, thou wilt quarrel with a man that
hath a hair more or a hair less in his beard than
thou hast.”
Explanation:
Mercutio says that if there were two people like Benvolio, they would soon fight to the death. He continues by joking that Benvolio would argue over something as small as the length of a man’s beard.
Analysis:
Mercutio exaggerates Benvolio’s quarrelsome nature to make a point about how petty and easily offended Benvolio can be.
Language Device:
- Hyperbole: Exaggerating the situation to stress how ridiculous it would be for two hot-tempered people to fight.
- Imagery: The description of arguing over a “hair more or a hair less” creates a visual picture of how trivial the conflicts are.
MERCUTIO
“Thou wilt quarrel with a man for cracking
nuts, having no other reason but because thou
hast hazel eyes.”
Explanation:
Mercutio continues teasing Benvolio, saying that he would start a fight with someone for something as minor as cracking nuts or having hazel eyes.
Analysis:
This line highlights the absurdity of Benvolio’s temper, showing that he picks fights over insignificant things.
Language Device:
- Hyperbole: Again, the exaggeration of Benvolio’s behavior to make the point that he is overly quarrelsome.
MERCUTIO
“Thy head is as full of quarrels as
an egg is full of meat, and yet thy head hath been
beaten as addle as an egg for quarreling.”
Explanation:
Mercutio says that Benvolio is full of quarrels, just as an egg is full of meat, but his head has also been beaten and confused from fighting too much.
Analysis:
Mercutio is emphasizing how Benvolio’s quarrelsome nature leads to him getting hurt or losing fights. This shows the foolishness of constantly seeking conflict.
Language Device:
- Simile: Comparing Benvolio’s head to an egg full of meat, showing how filled he is with anger or quarrels.
- Metaphor: “Head beaten as addle as an egg” suggests that Benvolio has been knocked around from all his fights.
MERCUTIO
“Thou hast quarrelled with a man for coughing in the street
because he hath wakened thy dog that hath lain
asleep in the sun.”
Explanation:
Mercutio gives another example, saying Benvolio would even fight with someone who coughs and wakes up his dog.
Analysis:
This line highlights how Benvolio’s temper is triggered by the smallest of things, further mocking him for being overly sensitive.
Language Device:
- Hyperbole: Again exaggerating how ridiculous Benvolio’s quarrels are.
MERCUTIO
“Didst thou not fall out with a tailor
for wearing his new doublet before Easter?”
Explanation:
Mercutio mocks Benvolio for fighting with a tailor just because he wore a new doublet (jacket) too early.
Analysis:
Mercutio points out how petty Benvolio’s arguments are, ridiculing him for getting upset over things that don’t matter.
MERCUTIO
“With another, for tying his new shoes with old ribbon?”
Explanation:
Mercutio mocks Benvolio again for fighting with someone who tied their shoes with old ribbon instead of new.
Analysis:
The repetition of small, ridiculous reasons for fighting shows how absurd Benvolio’s temper is.
MERCUTIO
“And yet thou wilt tutor me from quarreling?”
Explanation:
Mercutio sarcastically asks how Benvolio, who gets upset over nothing, can give him advice on how to avoid quarrels.
Analysis:
Mercutio continues mocking Benvolio, showing the difference in their personalities—Mercutio is more carefree, while Benvolio tries to avoid conflict.
BENVOLIO
“An I were so apt to quarrel as thou art, any
man should buy the fee simple of my life for an
hour and a quarter.”
Explanation:
Benvolio says that if he were as quick to quarrel as Mercutio suggests, anyone could buy his life for a short time, showing that his life would be short-lived due to constant fighting.
Analysis:
Benvolio is trying to defend himself and sarcastically exaggerates the idea that his life would be very short if he fought as often as Mercutio says.
MERCUTIO
“The fee simple? O simple!”
Explanation:
Mercutio laughs at Benvolio’s use of the term “fee simple,” mocking him for using legal language that doesn’t fit the situation.
Analysis:
Mercutio is quick-witted and loves to mock people, especially Benvolio, who he finds amusing and naïve in his serious attitude.
[Enter Tybalt, Petruchio, and others.]
Explanation:
Tybalt and his followers enter the scene, leading to the conflict between Tybalt and Mercutio.
BENVOLIO
“By my head, here comes the Capulets.”
Explanation:
Benvolio warns Mercutio that the Capulets (Tybalt) are approaching, which could lead to a fight.
MERCUTIO
“By my heel, I care not.”
Explanation:
Mercutio isn’t worried about Tybalt and responds sarcastically, showing that he’s ready for a confrontation.
- MERCUTIO: “But I’ll be hanged, sir, if he wear your livery. Marry, go before to field, he’ll be your follower. Your Worship in that sense may call him “man.””
- Explanation: Mercutio sarcastically mocks Tybalt by suggesting that Romeo would follow Tybalt like a servant. He’s implying that Tybalt thinks Romeo is beneath him, but he quickly undermines Tybalt’s authority.
- Tybalt: “Romeo, the love I bear thee can afford No better term than this: thou art a villain.”
- Explanation: Tybalt calls Romeo a villain. Tybalt is angry that Romeo is at the Capulet’s event and feels insulted, although Romeo hasn’t done anything wrong. This reveals Tybalt’s hot-headed nature.
- ROMEO: “Tybalt, the reason that I have to love thee Doth much excuse the appertaining rage To such a greeting. Villain am I none. Therefore farewell. I see thou knowest me not.”
- Explanation: Romeo responds calmly, explaining that he has a reason to love Tybalt (he’s now his family through marriage to Juliet), so he won’t retaliate. He tries to avoid violence by saying Tybalt doesn’t know him anymore.
- Tybalt: “Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries That thou hast done me. Therefore turn and draw.”
- Explanation: Tybalt insists that Romeo’s calm words are an excuse and refuses to let Romeo off the hook. He challenges Romeo to fight, despite Romeo’s peaceful refusal.
MERCUTIO’s Death
- MERCUTIO: “O calm, dishonorable, vile submission! Alla stoccato carries it away. He draws.”
- Explanation: Mercutio criticizes Romeo for backing down. He thinks Romeo is being dishonorable by not fighting Tybalt, and this leads Mercutio to take matters into his own hands and draw his sword. “Alla stoccato” refers to a fencing term, mocking Romeo for avoiding a fight.
- Romeo: “Gentle Mercutio, put thy rapier up.”
- Explanation: Romeo tries to stop Mercutio from fighting, realizing that it’s not worth it and trying to keep the peace.
- They fight: Romeo attempts to break up the fight, but Mercutio is wounded under Romeo’s arm.
Mercutio’s Curse
- MERCUTIO: “A plague o’ both houses! I am sped.”
- Explanation: As Mercutio lies dying, he curses both the Montagues and the Capulets for causing his death. His words reflect his anger and frustration that the feud between these families has now led to his death.
- MERCUTIO: “Is he gone and hath nothing?”
- Explanation: Mercutio asks if Tybalt has fled without achieving anything. He is confused by Tybalt’s escape, but his death becomes more important in the moment.
- ROMEO: “Courage, man, the hurt cannot be much.”
- Explanation: Romeo tries to comfort Mercutio, not realizing the gravity of the situation. He still believes that the injury is minor.
- MERCUTIO: “No, ’tis not so deep as a well, nor so wide as a church door, but ’tis enough.”
- Explanation: Mercutio humorously downplays the severity of the wound even though it is fatal. His dark humor contrasts with the seriousness of the injury.
- MERCUTIO: “Ask for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a grave man.”
- Explanation: Mercutio uses wordplay—he is saying he will be “a grave man,” meaning both serious (in tone) and dead. This is his final pun before dying.
- MERCUTIO: “A plague o’ both your houses!”
- Explanation: Mercutio repeats his curse on both the Montagues and the Capulets. He feels betrayed by both families for involving him in this deadly feud.
Romeo’s Anguish and Revenge
- ROMEO: “This gentleman, the Prince’s near ally, My very friend, hath got this mortal hurt In my behalf.”
- Explanation: Romeo is overcome with guilt and sadness. He realizes that Mercutio was wounded because of Romeo’s attempt to avoid the fight, and he acknowledges that his friend is dying because of him.
- ROMEO: “My reputation stained With Tybalt’s slander—Tybalt, that an hour Hath been my cousin!”
- Explanation: Romeo feels his reputation is tarnished because of Tybalt’s insults. He points out that Tybalt was once his family, which makes the situation even more tragic.
- ROMEO: “O sweet Juliet, Thy beauty hath made me effeminate And in my temper softened valor’s steel.”
- Explanation: Romeo blames Juliet’s love for him for weakening his courage. He feels that love has made him less manly and more passive, leading to Mercutio’s death.
The Fight with Tybalt
- ROMEO: “Now, Tybalt, take the “villain” back again That late thou gavest me, for Mercutio’s soul Is but a little way above our heads, Staying for thine to keep him company.”
- Explanation: Romeo is now overcome with rage and seeks revenge for Mercutio’s death. He challenges Tybalt to fight again, declaring that Tybalt’s death will ensure that Mercutio’s soul finds peace.
- TYBALT: “Thou wretched boy that didst consort him here Shall with him hence.”
- Explanation: Tybalt insults Romeo, calling him a “wretched boy,” and tells him that they will both die.
- ROMEO: “This shall determine that.”
- Explanation: Romeo declares that the duel with Tybalt will decide everything. Romeo is now filled with the desire for revenge.
- They fight. Tybalt falls.
- Explanation: Romeo kills Tybalt in the fight. Tybalt, who was once Juliet’s cousin, is now dead at Romeo’s hands.
Romeo’s Flight and Tybalt’s Death
- BENVOLIO: “Romeo, away, begone! The citizens are up, and Tybalt slain. Stand not amazed. The Prince will doom thee death If thou art taken. Hence, be gone, away.”
- Explanation: Benvolio urges Romeo to flee. Tybalt has been killed, and the authorities are coming. Romeo must escape before he is caught and executed.
- ROMEO: “O, I am Fortune’s fool!”
- Explanation: Romeo curses his own fate. He feels like a fool, realizing that his actions, driven by emotion, have led to tragic consequences.
- CITIZENS enter.
- CITIZEN: “Which way ran he that killed Mercutio? Tybalt, that murderer, which way ran he?”
- Explanation: The citizens want to know where Romeo has gone because they want to catch him for killing Tybalt.
- BENVOLIO: “There lies that Tybalt.”
- Explanation: Benvolio points to Tybalt’s body, indicating that Tybalt is dead and Romeo is no longer around.
The Prince’s Judgment
- PRINCE: “Where are the vile beginners of this fray?”
- Explanation: The Prince arrives and demands to know who started the fight.
- BENVOLIO: “O noble prince, I can discover all The unlucky manage of this fatal brawl.”
- Explanation: Benvolio, the peacekeeper, explains the events that led to the death of Mercutio and Tybalt, defending Romeo as having acted in self-defense.
Lady Capulet’s Plea for Revenge
- LADY CAPULET: “Tybalt, my cousin, O my brother’s child! O prince! O cousin! Husband! O, the blood is spilled Of my dear kinsman! Prince, as thou art true, For blood of ours, shed blood of Montague. O cousin, cousin!”
- Explanation: Lady Capulet mourns Tybalt’s death and asks the Prince for justice. She demands that Romeo be punished for killing Tybalt.
The Prince’s Sentence
- PRINCE: “Romeo slew him; he slew Mercutio. Who now the price of his dear blood doth owe?”
- Explanation: The Prince acknowledges that Romeo killed Tybalt in revenge for Mercutio’s death, which complicates the issue.
- PRINCE: “And for that offense Immediately we do exile him hence.”
- Explanation: The Prince sentences Romeo to exile, as the punishment for killing Tybalt. Romeo is lucky not to be executed for the crime.
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