NOMENCLATURE (A02)

• NOMENCLATURE> the devising or choosing of names for things, the term or terms applied to someone or something.
• BENVOLIO:

  • Peaceful character
  • His name means 'good will'
  • "Benvolio" > Drives from 'Benevolence'
• Prince Escalus:

  • "Escalus"> "Scale" - measurement - maintains balance between everyone especially Capulets and Montagues.
  • strives for peace
  • starts and ends the play
• Mercutio:

  • Direct meaning> wild and witty
  • "Mercutio"}

  1. 'God of Mercury' - suggests his wild character - interest in honour. "A plague on both your houses!"
  2. 'Mercury' > changing state - dangerous
• Juliet:


  popular name

  • youthful, obedient character who suddenly changes when in love with Romeo > bold, confident, rash
  • (og film)}

  1. Capulets wear RED & Montagues wear BLUE.

  -> Symbolic- shows the difference in both houses

  2. when she marries R > wears PURPLE bc she is now Montague. (red + blue=purple)

  3. when she 'dies' in Capulet tomb she wears RED
• Romeo:

  • (A03- historical context - Luigi Daporto in 1524 made a book called 'Romeo' making a character who symbolises love and passion.)
  • Romance, loving and devoting character
  • "Pilgrim to Rome" > pilgrim to love
  • 'Romeo'> LATIN 4 the twin brothers 'Remus' & 'Romaos' who fought each other » reflection how Romeo fights himself (mentally)
• Friar Lawrence:


  "Lawrence" > 'Laurel tree' » symbolic since he does a lot of herbal remedies.

  • 'Laurel tree' is associated with Strength, honour, victory, achievement.
  • "Lawrence" } leadership/ healing/ wisdom
  • Wisdom - ironic bc he lit got 2 children killed.
  • Religious 'Friar' - ensuring life / protection
• Montague:


  Comes from French Norman Times (William the conquerer)

  • 'Mont' = sharp mountain
  • {Sharp mountain} high class and unprovoking - peaceful like "Benvolio"
• Capulet:


  Common noble name - given more attention in the play (J's life in Capulet mansion)

  Political faction of 13th century.

  • 'capulet' = wooded area
  • More aggressive - provoked Montagues in most fights
  • "Capo" > ITALIAN word meaning 'Boss'
  • Very determined