Comparing Benvolio And Mercutio In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

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In the play Romeo and Juliet, it is obvious that both Benvolio and Mercutio have a strong devotion to their relationship with Romeo. At first, the question of who is a better friend may seem impossible to answer; however, to determine the answer, we must examine not only their devotion to Romeo but the individual qualities that they demonstrate through the play. They both stay by Romeo’s side throughout the play, and do their best to help keep him from harm, but they have one major difference that we must highlight; Benvolio has the ability to listen to and understand Romeo’s desires in way that Mercutio does not, and this quality is what sets him apart as the better friend to Romeo. Both Benvolio and Mercutio are loyal friends to Romeo and …show more content…
When he realizes that Romeo is feeling down, Benvolio immediately seeks to understand why, so that he can help his friend, asking: “What sadness lengthens Romeo's hours?(1,1. 9)”. Benvolio continues to ask questions of Romeo about his feelings in the situation, seeking to further understand his friends state of mind so that he can best help him. After listening to Romeo’s thoughts, Benvolio offers a suggestion that he thinks would help Romeo, proposing they “Examine other beauties(1,1.12)” and try to find someone to love to get over Rosaline. Throughout their discussion, Benvolio is very sympathetic and he is committed to helping Romeo get out of his rough patch, promising “I'll pay that doctrine, or else die in debt,(1,1.12)” when Romeo expresses doubt that he will find anyone better than Rosaline. Benvolio’s immediate instinct to try to understand Romeo’s position is what allowed him to come up with this fitting advice; conversely, Mercutio is not sympathetic at all and makes no effort at all to understand Romeos situation. Instead of trying to understand where Romeo is coming from, he makes fun of him
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