benvolio

• "Part, fools! Put up your swords. You know not what you do!" Act 1
• "One fire burns out another's burning, one pain is lessened by another's anguish" Act 1
• "Brave Mercutio's dead: That gallant spirit hath aspired the clouds" Act 3
• "This is the truth, or let Benvolio die" Act 3

  • religious imagery
  • his name looks like the word benevolent
  • suggests he will be a peacemaker throughout the play
  • juxtaposed against tybalt
  • he is a character foil for tybalt
  • shows his desire to be seen as honest
  • by swearing his own life, it emphasises his truthfulness
  • he would rather die than be thought a liar
  • contrasts the violence around him
  • dramatic tension is heightened
  • his honesty is crucial in determining romeos fate
  • theme of honour
• “I shall make thee think thy swan a crow" Act 1