benvolio

• 'for now these hot days is the mad blood stirring'- benvolio says this to mercutio to get him to leave and avoid conflict 'lets retire' forshadowing, protrays him as the voice of reason
• 'we shall not escape a brawl' benvolio foreshadowing as mercrutio does not escape the brawl with tybalt in later acts and dies
• avoids violence and conveys the significance of reputation
• benvolio links to the theme of law and order
• i do but keep the peace
• 'here all eyes gaze on us' benvolio says because merc rutio and tybalt fight act 3 scene 1
• 'you know not what you do' biblical language from jesus forgive theme father they do not know what they do luke 23
• Benvolio's speech in Act 1 Scene 1


  Contrasts with the prose used by Samson, Gregory, and Abraham
• Benvolio: 'Part fools, put up your swords. You know not what you do.'
• Benvolio's name translates roughly to "peacekeeper"
• Benvolio


  • Used by Shakespeare as a tool for plot development
  • Used in a chorus-like role to provide important information
• Benvolio's attempts to prevent the tragedy from unfolding are futile due to the theme of fate