sampson & gregory ( servants )

• Who are the two servants of House Capulet in the opening scene?

  Sampson and Gregory
• What do Sampson and Gregory do in the opening scene?

  They start a brawl with Montague servants
• Why is the opening scene significant despite Sampson and Gregory's minimal stage time?

  It establishes the strength of the feud
• How does the brawl impact the audience's understanding of the conflict?

  It shows the scale of the Capulet-Montague feud
• What themes do Sampson and Gregory introduce in the play?

  Honor and masculinity
• Why do the servants engage in the brawl?

  To defend their honor and family honor
• What masculine language does Sampson use to taunt the Montague servants?

  “Draw, [your swords] if [you] be men”
• How does Sampson and Gregory's provocation relate to Tybalt's actions later in the play?

  Both act out of a desire to defend family honor
• How does Romeo's desire to fight Tybalt connect to the themes introduced by Sampson and Gregory?

  It reflects the ongoing theme of honor and masculinity
• What does the comedic nature of the fight suggest about the characters involved?

  They are driven by a masculine desire for honor