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What does the phrase "My naked weapon is out. Quarrel! I will back thee" mean?
Quick answer:
The phrase "My naked weapon is out. Quarrel! I will back thee", spoken by Sampson in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, signifies Sampson's readiness to fight the Montague servants and his assurance to support Gregory. The term "naked weapon" refers to his drawn sword, indicating his seriousness, contrasting with his previous lewd jests. This phrase also carries a sexual connotation, as part of Sampson's ongoing banter with Gregory.
Throughout their banter in the opening lines of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, the Capulet servants Gregory and Sampson make sexual references as they discuss how much they hate the Montagues and would like to engage them in a street fight. Sampson suggests that he would like to rape the Montague women, making a rude reference to part of his anatomy when he says, "’tis known I am a pretty piece of flesh." This same piece of anatomy is likened to a sword as Gregory urges Sampson to "Draw thy tool" as the Montague servants approach. Sampson does indeed pull his sword and again makes an overt reference to his anatomy when he says,
My naked weapon is out. Quarrel! I will back
thee.
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