Who Is Benvolio A Foil In Romeo And Juliet

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In William Shakespeare’s harrowing drama The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, two star-crossed lovers from quarreling families meet an untimely fate which leads to both of their demises. Benvolio and Tybalt, the devoted kinsmen, both have two separate personalities. While Benvolio portrays a benevolent peacemaker, the more rancorous Tybalt serves as a foil to his character enhancing Shakespeare’s play. In Shakespeare’s drama, Benvolio depicts a very compassionate and sincere pacifist. When a quarrel breaks out between the Capulets and Montagues, Benvolio tells both parties to “put up [their] swords” as they “know not what [they] do” and he only wishes to “do but keep the peace” (1.1 65, 69). Furthermore, when Romeo becomes heartbroken over a girl, Benvolio consoles him by asking “what sadness lengthens Romeo’s hours?” and attempts to cheer him up by advising him to “compare her face with some that I will show, / And I will make thee think thy swan a crow” (1.1 168 ; 1.3 93-94). Bevolio’s caring and loving character enhances Shakespeare’s drama and adds depth to the play. …show more content…
During the street fight between the two feuding families, Tybalt wants Benvolio to “turn [to] thee” and “look upon thy death” and upon talks of peace Tybalt “hate[s] the word / as [he] hate[s] hell, all Montagues, and thee” (1.1 71-73). Moreover, when Romeo makes an appearance at Lord Capulet’s ball Tybalt “will not endure him” and “to strike him dead [he would] hold it not sin” and when Lord Capulet tells Tybalt to leave him be Tybalt promises “this intrusion shall, / now seeming sweet” turn into a “bitt’rest gall” (1.5 67, 85, 102-103). Tybalt’s fiery personality causes him to have frequent outbursts and adds violence to the

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