Romeo and Juliet Group

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mbhorselover09
mbhorselover09
Student
High School - 9th Grade

Where is an example of moderation in Act 3 of "Romeo and Juliet"?

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Posted by mbhorselover09 on Tuesday January 27, 2009 at 5:17 PM and tagged with act iii, moderation, romeo and juliet, themes.

Answers:

  1. mwestwood
    mwestwood Teacher
    Community / Jr. College

    eNotes Editor

    In Act III, scene I, Tybalt challenges Romeo, saying

    Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries/That thou hast done me; therefore turn and draw(ll.54-55)

    However, since Romeo has married Juliet, he is now related by marriage to Tybalt.  Consequently, Romeo tries to ameliorate feelings between him and Tybalt since they are now related by marriage:

    I do protest, I never injured thee,/But love thee better than thou cast devise,/Till thou shalt know the reason of my love:/And so, good Capulet,--which name I tender/As dearly as mine own,--be satisfied (ll.56-60)

    At these words Mercutio is incensed and accuses of Tybalt wanting to walk away from a fight.  Still Romeo tries to avert a fight and begs his friend, "Gentle Mercutio, put thy rapier up" (l. 70 ).  Then, he entreats Benvolio to stop Mercutio and Tybalt, crying out,

    Gentlemen, for shame, forbear this outrage!?Tybalt, Mercutio, the Prince expressly hath/Forbid bandying in Verona streets:/Hold, Tybalt! good Mercutio!(ll.72-76)

    Of course, Romeo's attempts, though well-meaning, fail.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/romeo/Act-three-scene-one

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    Posted by mwestwood on Wednesday January 28, 2009 at 4:54 PM