ChArAcTeRs PoRtFoLiO Deepen your understanding of Juliet by completing your Character Log, p106. BeNvOlIo


A PeAcEmAkEr Benvolio is set apart from the other young men in the play as a man who pursues peace. This is first apparent in the opening scene of the play. As the Montague and Capulet servants fight, Benvolio tries to part them: ‘Part, fools! / Put up your swords! You know not what you do!’ He asks Tybalt to do the same: ‘I do but keep the peace. Put up thy sword, / Or manage it to part these men with me.’ Despite his noble intentions, Benvolio is attacked by Tybalt and is forced to fight him. Later in the play, Benvolio urges Mercutio to go inside as he fears that another fight will break out with the Capulets:


‘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.’


Mercutio arrogantly insists that he will not move and even mockingly accuses Benvolio of being just as quick to fight as any: ‘Thou art as hot a Jack in thy mood as any in Italy’. However, all the evidence in the play contradicts this and points to Benvolio as a man of peace. Indeed, when a fight threatens to breaks out, Benvolio again tries to restore calm: ‘We talk here in the public haunt of men. Either withdraw unto some private place, Or reason coldly of your grievances, Or else depart. Here all eyes gaze on us.’


Despite Benvolio’s best intentions, violence erupts regularly on the streets of Verona.


HoNeSt Benvolio is twice asked to give accounts of violent incidents. In the first scene Montague asks Benvolio what occurred. Then, after Tybalt is killed, the Prince relies on Benvolio’s account of events. Lady Capulet however, exclaims: ‘He is a kinsman to the Montague; / Affection makes him false! He speaks not true’ but her protestations are unfounded as Benvolio gives an unbiased account of events. Benvolio is presented as a trustworthy individual untainted by the hatred of the families’ ‘ancient grudge’.


CaRiNg Benvolio is a good friend to Romeo and shows that he cares. This is evident in the first scene when Montague and Lady Montague rely on Benvolio to talk to Romeo and find out why he is so glum and withdrawn. Benvolio encourages Romeo to express his feelings and advises him to forget Rosaline and to, ‘Examine other beauties.’ Benvolio also acts in a caring manner as the Montagues depart Capulet’s masked ball.


When Romeo disappears into the Capulet orchard, Mercutio takes the opportunity to mock Romeo. Benvolio, however, asks Mercutio to stop and expresses concern for his friend. Only when Benvolio realises that Romeo does not want to be found, does he leave.


A FoIl (CoNtRaSt) To RoMeO AnD JuLiEt Benvolio is an important character as he deepens the audience’s understanding of Romeo and Juliet. We may be tempted to conclude that all young people are passionate and impetuous; Benvolio shows us otherwise. As a sensible and calm character, Benvolio highlights Romeo’s and Juliet’s passionate and impetuous natures.


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