Benvolio
Uploaded by jiajia on Feb 04, 2002
During the course of the play, Benvolio often emerges as the peacemaker. We can see right from the start where he tries to stop a brawl between the servants of two families in act 1 scene 1 “Part fools. Put up thy swords, you know not what you do” He fights only when he is attacked “I do but keep peace. Put up thy sword, Or manage it to part these men with me.”
Benvolio is a contrast with Tybalt, who is full of hatred “What, drawn and talk of peace? I hate the word, As I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee.” This hatred inside Tybalt further evoked out the peacefulness of Benvolio.
Benvolio peaceful character is also a contrast with Mercutio’s cynical attitude.
Due to his peaceful character, Benvolio emerges as someone who can be trusted. Lord Montague and Prince Escalus call on him to for a true account of the events. For example, Lord Montague in act 1 scene 1 “Speak nephew, were you by when it began” and the prince in act 3 scene 1 “Benvolio, who began this bloody fray?” Therefore, he has a dramatic role of reporter of events. Despite Benvolio is trustworthy, he does report the fights with a slight bias towards the validity of the actions of Romeo.
In act 3 scene 1, Benvolio, with a peaceful character, warned Mercutio against fighting and causing troubles “I pray thee good Mercutio, let’s retire.” Benvolio also tries to prevent the fight between Tybalt and Mercutio when the situation is getting tenser “We talk here in public haunt of men. Either withdraw into some private place, And reason coldly of your grievances, Or else depart; here all eyes gaze on us.”
Having a peaceful character, we can see that Benvolio is a patient listener to Romeo and Mercutio and a loyal and caring friend.
There is little development in this character. Basically, he stays the same throughout the play; loyal and ready to keep the peace.