Friendship In Romeo And Juliet

A Friend in Need is a Friend Indeed

The best friendships to have are those that help you develop your emotions towards yourself and others. In William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, the disposition of two significant characters are evidently displayed to demonstrate the true qualities of friendship. Firstly, Romeo’s cousin and friend, Benvolio demonstrates that he surpasses Mercutio as a friend because he comforts Romeo in his times of need. Secondly, Benvolio shows that he is capable of defending Romeo, making him the preferable friend. Lastly, Benvolio spends more valuable time with Romeo, assisting in his despairs. Ultimately, Benvolio proves that he is the better friend of Romeo because he exerts the qualities of a good friend better than

While Romeo is mourning over Rosaline, Mercutio attempts to enlighten him with his perception of love. Mockingly, Mercutio suggests, “If love be rough with you, be rough with love: Prick love for pricking, and you beat love down” (1.4.28-29). Mercutio advises Romeo to overcome his hamartia of impulsively falling in love, as it can be a significant internal conflict that leads to the protagonists’ downfalls. The metaphoric comparison of a thorn to love describes that love can be rough like a thorn, proving to readers that Romeo is experiencing love detrimentally. Mercutio teaches Romeo how to handle this, and for that reason is able comfort Romeo in his times of need. Although this may be true, Benvolio is able to comfort Romeo to a greater extent. When Benvolio is asked to find the origin behind Romeo’s unusual behaviour, Benvolio converses with him and discovers why. In melancholy, Romeo complains “...Feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health, Still-waking sleep, that is not what it is! This love feel I, that feel no love in this.” (1.1.174-176). The oxymoronic enumeration of Romeo’s citing is utilised to express and exaggerate his contradictory perspective of love, which further suggest to readers about Romeo’s love-sickness. As the sympathetic person Benvolio is, he advises Romeo to notice other girls, contrary of what Romeo expected. In this way, Benvolio shows

After Romeo asks Friar Lawrence to marry himself and Juliet, Romeo is highly ecstatic, translating to the mood of Mercutio. Contently, Mercutio teases “Why, is not this better now than groaning for love? ...for this drivelling love is like a great natural that runs lolling up and down to hide his bauble…” (2.4.80-84). Shakespeare uses a simile to compare Romeo looking for love to a fool trying to hide his jester stick, proving that the static character of Romeo is enamoured again. This is dramatically ironic, as Mercutio does not know the truth behind Romeo’s estactiness. Nevertheless, Benvolio still spends more valuable time with Romeo. When Benvolio and Romeo discover that Rosaline is going to the ball, Benvolio takes this time to show Romeo other beauties. Confidently, he states “Compare her face with some that I shall show, and I will make thee think thy swan a crow.” (1.2.88-89). Benvolio metaphorically compares Rosaline to a swan’s beauty, stating that she will seem unappealing after she is juxtaposed with other girls. This suggests to readers that the stock character of Benvolio is making a genuine effort to take Romeo’s mind off Rosaline. Benvolio is attempting to advise Romeo about love, which is valuable for adolescents like