Romeo and Juliet: Act 1

Quote Analysis

Who said this?

“I do but keep the peace. Put up thy sword, Or manage it to part these men with me” (Act 1, Scene 1)

What does this reveal about this character? (significance)

When Tybalt enters the brawl between the Montagues and the Capulates, he threatens Benvolio with his life. Benvolio does his best to disperse the men and keep the peace. This quote is significant because it reveals to us Benvolio’s role as a peacekeeper and we are able to see him as trustworthy friend to Romeo.

Who said this?

“Tut, I have lost myself; I am not here. This is not Romeo; he’s some other where”

(Act 1, Scene 1)

What does this reveal about this character? (significance)

Romeo is hopelessly in love with Rosaline in the beginning of the play. While talking to Benvolio, his good friend, he admits to feeling not himself. Romeo gives the impression that he is a dreamer and emotionally unstable when in the state of love. This foreshadows the downfall of Romeo and Juliet.

Who said this?

“I’ll look to like, if looking liking move; /But no more deep will I endart mine eye/Than your consent gives strength to make it fly”

(Act 1, Scene 3)

What does this reveal about this character? (significance)

In this quote, Juliet is responding to her mother’s request to marry Paris. Her response reveals that Juliet is interested in loving someone who she finds attractive, but it is her mother and father’s consent that will determine this. In comparison to Romeo, Juliet appears to be a realist and reacts with a rational mind.

Who said this?

“True, I talk of dreams,/Which are the children of an idle brain,/ Begot of nothing but vain fantasy,/Which is as thin of substance as the air/ And more inconstant than the wind”

(Act 1, Scene 4)

What does it reveal about this character? (significance)

This is spoken by Mercutio a good and spirited friend of Romeo’s. Mercutio is criticizing dreams and more specifically dreams of idealized love. Delivered by Mercutio in the scene just before Romeo is to meet Juliet, it stands as a warning against the danger of idealistic love.

Who said this?

“O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!/ It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night/Like a rich jewel in an Ethiop’s ear;/ Beauty to rich for use, for earth too dear!”

(Act 1, Scene 5)

What does it reveal about this character? (significance)

Romeo experiences love at first sight. His comparisons paint Juliet as an object too good for earthly matters and compares Juliet to light, a motif that continues throughout the play.