Benvolio as a Character
Quotes are in red.
Notations of where each quote is from are in purple.
Links to context are in blue.
Benvolio Basics:
His name means “good will”
”Part fools, put up your swords, you know not what you do” (Act 1
Scene 1) reminds us of Christ’s last words on the cross. “Father
forgive them, they know not what they do” Just as Christ is a
peacekeeper - Benvolio takes on this role. “I do but keep the
peace”, “put up thy sword” (Act 1 Scene 1)
Act 1, Scene 1
Benvolio tries to stop a fight in the streets but ends up taking part
in it.
Afterwards, he talks to Romeo’s parents and promises to find out
why Romeo has been acting so depressed.
He meets up with Romeo, who tells him the problem is that he’s in
love with a girl who isn’t interested in him.
In hopes of helping Romeo get over Rosalin, Benvolio convinces
Romeo to crash the Capulet party.
They’ll compare Rosaline to the other women there and will see
that she’s not worth it. “Examine other beauties” (Act 1 Scene 1)
Benvolio encourages Romeo to crash the Capulet ball.
This has directly influenced the events in the rest of the play as
this is where he meets Juliet.
Act 2, Scene 1 - Act 2 Scene 4
Benvolio and Mercutio try to figure out where Romeo disappeared
to. They soon give up and head home.
The next day Benvolio and Mercutio still don’t know where Romeo
is.
They know that Tybalt has challenged their friend to a duel.
Benvolio says he is sure Romeo will uphold his honour and fight
Tybalt.
When the Nurse shows up, Benvolio joins Romeo and Mercutio in
the general mockery of her.
Act 3 Scene 1
As usual, Benvolio tries to avoid fighting with the Capulets but gets
drawn in anyway.
Quotes are in red.
Notations of where each quote is from are in purple.
Links to context are in blue.
Benvolio Basics:
His name means “good will”
”Part fools, put up your swords, you know not what you do” (Act 1
Scene 1) reminds us of Christ’s last words on the cross. “Father
forgive them, they know not what they do” Just as Christ is a
peacekeeper - Benvolio takes on this role. “I do but keep the
peace”, “put up thy sword” (Act 1 Scene 1)
Act 1, Scene 1
Benvolio tries to stop a fight in the streets but ends up taking part
in it.
Afterwards, he talks to Romeo’s parents and promises to find out
why Romeo has been acting so depressed.
He meets up with Romeo, who tells him the problem is that he’s in
love with a girl who isn’t interested in him.
In hopes of helping Romeo get over Rosalin, Benvolio convinces
Romeo to crash the Capulet party.
They’ll compare Rosaline to the other women there and will see
that she’s not worth it. “Examine other beauties” (Act 1 Scene 1)
Benvolio encourages Romeo to crash the Capulet ball.
This has directly influenced the events in the rest of the play as
this is where he meets Juliet.
Act 2, Scene 1 - Act 2 Scene 4
Benvolio and Mercutio try to figure out where Romeo disappeared
to. They soon give up and head home.
The next day Benvolio and Mercutio still don’t know where Romeo
is.
They know that Tybalt has challenged their friend to a duel.
Benvolio says he is sure Romeo will uphold his honour and fight
Tybalt.
When the Nurse shows up, Benvolio joins Romeo and Mercutio in
the general mockery of her.
Act 3 Scene 1
As usual, Benvolio tries to avoid fighting with the Capulets but gets
drawn in anyway.
