Romeo and Juliet Group

Question:

geo444
geo444
Teacher
Community / Jr. College

In Act 1, Scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet, why does Romeo want to go to the Capulet's party and why does Benvolio want to go with him?

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Posted by geo444 on Tuesday March 3, 2009 at 7:47 PM and tagged with act 1 scene 2, benvolio, capulet party, characters, romeo, romeo and juliet.

Answers:

  1. ms-charleston-yawp
    ms-charleston-yawp Teacher
    High School - 11th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Romeo wants to go precisely because Rosaline (his latest love) is going to be there, but Benvolio wants to go so that both of them can indulge in other beauties.  In regards to Benvolio, he spends the entire scene trying to convince Romeo that there are other fish in the sea.  "Compare her face with some that I shall show, / And I will make thee think thy swan a crow."  What is interesting is that it is impossible for the reader to tell whether Benvolio is really just wanting view the beauties for his own benefit or for Romeo's benefit.  That's the beauty of theater:  the scene could be played either way.  In regards to Romeo, he believes none of it.  "I'll go along, so such site to be shown, / But to rejoice in splendor of mine own."  In other words, he has eyes only for Rosaline.  Hmmmm, . . . just wait, Romeo.  Just wait.  Ha!

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/romeo/act-scenes-1-2-summary-analysis
    http://www.enotes.com/romeo/benvolio-character-analysis
    http://www.enotes.com/romeo/romeo-character-analysis

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    Posted by ms-charleston-yawp on Tuesday March 3, 2009 at 9:42 PM