William Shakespeare's
Romeo and Juliet Act III Scene i
Benvolio and Mercutio meet on a hot afternoon in the public square. Tybalt appears, still smarting with rage from the Capulet party. He is searching for Romeo with whom he wants to duel. When Romeo enters the scene, Tybalt proceeds to insult him in an attempt to goad him into fighting. However, Romeo exercises self­control, for he realizes Tybalt is Juliet's first cousin and he must not fight him. He attempts to pacify the fiery Tybalt but to no avail. Mercutio is inflamed by this bewildering scene and takes up Romeo's defense. Mercutio draws his sword and engages Tybalt. Romeo intercedes and tries to separate the two, but in so doing makes it possible for Tybalt to wound Mercutio fatally. Romeo, filled with remorse, kills Tyblat and is rushed away by Benvolio who later explains the tragedy to Prince Escalus. The ruler listens and defers the death sentence: Romeo is banished forever to Mantua.
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William Shakespeare's
Romeo and Juliet Act III Scene i
page 132
Who is responsible for starting the fight?
BENVOLIO MERCUTIO By my head, here come the Capulets. Consort! what, dost thou make us minstrels? an MERCUTIO thou make minstrels of us, look to hear nothing but By my heel, I care not. discords: here's my fiddlestick; here's that shall TYBALT make you dance. 'Zounds, consort! Follow me close, for I will speak to them. BENVOLIO Gentlemen, good den: a word with one of you. We talk here in the public haunt of men: MERCUTIO Either withdraw unto some private place, And but one word with one of us? couple it with And reason coldly of your grievances, something; make it a word and a blow. TYBALT Or else depart; here all eyes gaze on us. MERCUTIO You shall find me apt enough to that, sir, an you Men's eyes were made to look, and let them gaze; will give me occasion. MERCUTIO I will not budge for no man's pleasure, I. Could you not take some occasion without giving? TYBALT Mercutio, thou consort'st with Romeo,— 2
William Shakespeare's
Romeo and Juliet
Act III Scene i
page 136
Which literary device is used in the following line?
Mercutio: . . .Ask for me tomorrow and you shall find me a grave man.
grave
a place of burial for a dead body, typically a hole dug in the ground and marked by a stone or mound.
giving cause for alarm; serious
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William Shakespeare's
Romeo and Juliet
Act III Scene i
pages 142­144
Does Benvolio give a totally accurate account of the fight to the Prince?
yes
Why does Lady Capulet think Benvolio is lying? What accusation does she make? Lady Capulet knows that Benvolio is
Romeo's cousin. "affection makes him
false"
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William Shakespeare's
Romeo and Juliet
Review:
Act III Scene i
Who killed whom?
Who do you think is to blame for the deaths? Why?
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