I. Addressing the Montague and Capulet brawlers, the Prince shouts,"Profaners of this neighbor-stained steel... You men, you beasts, that quench the fire of your pernicious rage with purple fountains issuing from your veins...[have] cankered with peace, to part your cankered hate" (15).
Clearly, the Prince is upset (scornful and angry even) with the Montagues and Capulets because the fights that break out between them can be fatal to those that participate and also endanger the lives of bystanders. Their hatred for each other has spiraled out of control and blinded them, thus causing both sides to make irrational decisions out of pride and stubbornness. Evidently, the feud is being prolonged by people's inability to move past the rivalry and consider how their actions are affecting others. The Prince describes the brawlers as "profaners of this neighbor-stained steel" and "beasts" because their "pernicious rage" is a plague that's constantly encouraging others to abuse their weapons by inflicting unnecessary injuries.
II. When Benvolio asks Romeo about his melancholy mood, he replies,"Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs; being purged, a fire sparkling in lovers' eyes; being vexed, a sea nourished with loving tears... A madness most discreet, a choking gall, and a preserving sweet" (23).
At the end of Scene I, Benvolio finds out that Romeo is inconsolable and heartbroken because Rosaline doesn't love him back. Pained by the woman's rejection, Romeo bitterly wishes things were different and contemplates the differing sides of love. Often times, people think love is easy bliss and joy; but, loving someone actually requires resilience/toughness because not everyone will experience their own "happily ever after" or "love at first sight." Examining Romeo's obsessiveness towards Rosaline, it's important to note that love is also about finding balance and being able to move on. Though it can be rewarding, it can also be a fleeting "smoke made with the fume of sighs" or even "a madness most discreet."
I definitely agree with the fact that both families, the Montagues and the Capulets don't show interest, or simply ignore and avoid the effects their fighting makes on others. Their decisions are driven by hatred and pride, leaving the families ignorant of the consequences brought upon the people of Verona.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said about Benvolio
ReplyDeleteRomeo is definitely obsessed with Rosaline and loves her at first sight without even thinking about how she might feel.
ReplyDeleteThe houses do not care at all with what happens to the people that are neutral they just want to take down the other house.