How Are The Characters Of Benvolio and Tybalt Presented By The Playwright

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Romeo and Juliet is a play based on the love of Romeo and Juliet, who are from two opposing families. To enhance the text the writer, Shakspere introduces two characters to the readers; Tybalt and Benvolio.

Tybalt is a kinsman towards the Capulets and Juliet's cousin. Tybalt is a recurring character in Act 1 of the play where Shakspere makes his presence felt, to the readers by enhancing his character. To portray him as a striking character, the writer has presented Tybalt as an aggressive and vengeful persona.

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He uses a violent tone throughout this scene, particularly when he notices a Montague (Romeo) in the house of the Capulets (during the ball). This moment causes him to remark: “This, by his voice should be a Montague. Fetch me my rapier, boy.” Tybalt, who is the antagonist heavily uses symbolism to stress upon his everlasting hatred of the opposing family. It also symbolizes the characteristics, he possesses which make him the center of the conflict, in this play.

This instinctive quote of Tybalt shows that he is constantly aware of his surroundings. He is extremely paranoid about protecting the house of the Capulets and would do anything to uphold the integrity of the house. From this, it is easy to deduce that he is extremely loyal to his family and will even risk his life, by trying to kill Romeo, although he might get banished all so that he can safeguard his family's name. Although he has been given clear orders by his Uncle not to disrupt the party and create a scene, he is stubborn and persistent to showcases his honor and duty he has towards his family.

He even calls Romeo a villain and says, “I will not endure him.” It can be deciphered that he has a huge ego as well, as he believes that he himself is worthy enough to kill a Montague and will be effortless for him as he can single-handedly kill Romeo. Most readers are unhappy with the way Tybalt dealt with the situation but are happy that he controlled himself from attacking Romeo. This also questions the readers to whether the story would have progressed if Tybalt had confronted Romeo in the beginning. Others may enjoy Tybalt’s fiery personality as it brings a conflict, which increases the suspense in the play.

He is passionate about violence and despises anyone who tries to make peace.This is also highlighted in Act 1 Scene 1 where Benvolio, Romeo’s cousin tries to make peace with him. However, he is reluctant and quotes, “As I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee,” and draws out his sword and begins an intense duel with him. As he starts the fight he even addresses the two helpers Gregory and Sampson by saying, “What, art thou drew among these heartless hinds?”

He even uses the repetition of the noun ‘hate’ when he describes the Montagues. Other than that he even uses a metaphor to compare the two servants, Gregory, and Sampson to a female deer. This repetition is clearly used to underline the anger he possesses and is the reason the author has dehumanized him. He has bottled up his emotions and they are now finally be going to be expressed. This metaphor is used to discriminate them both as he has compared them to women who in the Elizabethian Era were cowardly. Tybalt's is portrayed as one who is unable to control himself on his own unless he is supported by someone else . However, Tybalt emotions show have added drama to the context, an example of which many readers enjoy. Readers remain trapped in the play as they are gripped by the actions of Tybalt.

Benvolio, on the other hand, is the nephew of the Montague house and cousin of Romeo.

He is the most prominent in Act 1 where he tries to play the peace barrier, trying to avoid conflict with the Montagues. As Lord Tybalt enters the marketplace, Benvolio is the first to react. He makes his intentions that he does not want to transform the marketplace into an area where war is prominent. He calmly addresses Tybalt, “I do but keep the peace. Put up thy sword, or manage it to part these men with me.” Symbolism once again has been used to create the impression that Benvolio is cool and calm in his thoughts. This quote from Benvolio translates to suggesting Tybalt that instead of using his to fight, he should use it instead to help him together and stop the fight. This gives us great detail of information about Benvolio's character. Benvolio does not have the same hatred against the Capulets and hopes that they can unite instead of quarreling on the streets of Fair Verona. He tries his best to calmly diffuse the situation, in these public places. He uses short colloquial sentences (which contrasts the language of others, for example, Lady Montague) and shows a superior sense of diction as well as he sees that they are behaving foolishly. It also highlights the point that Benvolio is strong and assertive. Readers are glad to finally come across a character who is unique and different from the others. They enjoy the fact that he is rational in his thought process and is sensible as well. He slows down the pace of the novel which helps the readers, keeps up with the storyline. Lastly, he also allows readers to finally see feelings in this play as he is considerate about his surroundings and wishes that none of the others are hurt.

Benvolio is regarded as a faithful companion who can be trusted blindly. Benvolio relation with Romeo is the perfect example to support this claim. Benvolio spends most of the play trying to help Romeo get his mind off Rosaline and genuinely cares about him. Thus the questions “What sadness lengthens Romeo's hours?” William Shakspere has used hyperbole to depict the long and lengthy hours for which Romeo was feeling sad. This hyperbole has been used specifically to show how much Benvolio has exaggerated Romeo’s feelings. Benvolio serves as Romeo's dramatic foil (similar to the main character) and is thus able to connect with him on a more deeper level. Apart from this Benvolio itself means ‘good will’ and this is what he tries to convey to all the different characters he speaks to throughout the play. The closeness of friendship is seen as Benvolio too drowns in sorrow and begins to cry (hyperbole as well) with Romeo over Rosaline. Unlike Mercutio, he was Romeos unappreciated best friend. Readers are able to sympathize Romeo but moreover, are fortunate that there is a character in the play they can relate too. They feel as if they thus have a more personal connection with the character and helps them get an overall better understanding of the play as well.

Thus Benvolio and Tybalt are both important characters in this novel and have been used successfully by Shakspere to have an impact on the plot of the play as well as on the reader.