Benvolio And Tybalt Foil

In the play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, Benvolio and Tybalt are considered a dramatic foil. Benvolio is a peacemaker. Tybalt is one who looks for fights. Tybalt and Benvolio are complete opposites. In the opening scene, Benvolio and Mercutio are out in the town when Tybalt approaches them. Benvolio tries to stop a fight to break out but draws his sword out of sheer protection as stated, “I do but keep the peace. Put up thy sword, or manage it to part these men with me.” (1.1.61-62). When Benvolio said this, Tybalt is fired and won't take no for an answer. “What, drawn, and talk of peace? I hate the word, as I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee. Have at thee, coward!” (1.1.63-65). In this certain instance, Benvolio wanted to keep
The day is hot; the Capulets, abroad; and if we meet we shall not ‘scape a brawl, for now, these hot days, is the mad blood stirring.” (3.1.1-4). Soon enough, the Capulets came in lead by Tybalt. When Mercutio and Benvolio were in Tybalt’s range of sight, He did not worry that a fight would break out and soon enough, he would have a price to pay. A short time later, Mercutio and Tybalt were in a sword fight. After many good hits, Mercutio was stabbed and died. When this had happened, Romeo did flee from Mercutio and run to Tybalt in a storm. Many tried to stop him from fighting but Tybalt welcomed it with a full surety of himself, “Thou, wretched boy, that didst consort him here shalt with him hence.” (3.1. 126-127). When the fight of Tybalt and Romeo ceased, Tybalt lay dead in the center of town. Throughout the play, there are many instances when Benvolio's behavior contradicts that of Tybalt. This is significant because even though it is good to keep the peace, some instances require a fight to keep peace and to stand up for what you believe