How is the theme male
aggression and violence
shown in the play?
Introduction
During Elizabethan England, the male gender played a
dominant role in the society, a role that had the power
to dictate over many people- women. Their
authorivtive personalities meant that actions were
often perceived as aggressive, confrontational and
violent. To address this, Shakepeare evidently
highlighted this in his play Romeo and Juliet, clearly
illustrating the faults that lied within this time.
Act 1, Scene 1
Sampson and Gregory (servants
of Capulet) confront the servants
of Montague. Their bravado is held
in their frames and voices as
they sit a conversation together.
'Do you bit your thumb at us, sir?' 'I do, sir'
The tone of the male characters is seen by
the interrgotative delivered by Abraham.
His eager way to entice in a conversation
with the Capulet's suggests he was looking
for a battle, conflict and arguemtn with the
other side.
The simple sentence creates the mood for the
audience, lighting the way to a action packed scene.
Hooking the readers attention immediately
suggests that Shakespeare had a passion for the
flaw of society. The flaw that males had too much
power that they could start drama so easily.
For an audience member of a modern audience, excitment
would rise as conflict did becasue we could assume acton
was about to occur, however, for an Elizabethan audience,
this was just a subtle opening to the play. Male
aggression was eflected in the way that Shakespeare
reflected it- constant.
'What noise is this? Give me my long sword,
ho!'
Capulet has heard of the quarrel and immediately seeks at the
chance to get involved. This reacton presents that this personality
was not that only of high class, wealthy men like Capulet or
Montague, but also of the servants. The violent ways circulated the
male sector of the society.
The imperative verb 'give'
illustares that men had a
demanding presence,; that their
power was over women and they
could be assertive in they way
that they addressed people.
Using exclamatives allows the tone to be lifted.
In this case, the tone of the charcters voice is
evidently angry and frustared. We learn that
Capulet didn't want an answer and needed
urgency because he didnt wait for a response
to his question.
Similarly, other people may view
this as frustartion from Capulet.
His growning ager has spurred
from a site of frustration that
these servants are once once again
picking at unecessary conflicts.
Act 1, Scene 5
I will withdraw: but this intrusion shall now
seeming sweet convert to bitter gall.
Tybalt is being instructed by his Uncle not to
start any conflict at the arrival of Romeo in
the party.
The reaction of Tybalt at
first is quite surprising (the
fact he obeys his father).
Suggests the older
generation had an even
greater power.
The threat that Tybalt is going to purposely 'poison' Romeos
life forbodes the murder of Mercutio in Act3, Scene1. Although
not physical aggression, it shows the spiteful type of
aggression that is held within Tybalt's blood.
The noun 'gall'
suggests a possible
curse that Tybalt
will place on
Romeo's health. The
connotations
illustrate painful
and a spiteful way
to harm Romeo
without doing it
physically.
Act 3, Scene 1
Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries That thou hast done
me; therefore turn and draw
Tybalt is accussing Romeo of going him injuruies,
harm and pain. Therefore, deciding that this a cause
for a fight in the streets of Verona. (Going against
the commands of the Prince.
The imperative verbs 'turn' and 'draw' illustrates that Tybalt has
little to say and yet has such an impact on these people. It also
illustrates that Tybalt has such a calm approach to what will be a
huge effect. The order of these words highlights that
Shakespeare was showing the way Tybalt looks down on the
Montagues and speaks to them like they don't have intelligence.
The derogatary term 'boy' indicates the lack of respect
men in Elizabethan times had for the younger
generation and in most cases also women. It highlights
that specifically Tybalt looks at Romeo as nothing but
a small, worthless child suggesting he will soon treat
him like a father would treat a son.
The plural form of
this noun suggests
that in the past the
family feud has had
impacts on Tybalt
and his family. It
allows the audience
to make their own
opinions and form
their own versions
of the plot, play and
characters.
The commanding nature of
Tybalt expresses the aggressive
trates of men.
The noun 'injuries' shows
that Tybalt is easily
effected by the presence of
Romeo at the party. He
feels so much disrespect
that he claims he as felt
pain and hurt by Romeo's
arrival.
Act 3, Scene 4
Lord Capulet is demanding that Juliet marries Paris
and when she chooses to disobey him, he see's red and
shows his real sides.
'My fingers itch.'
The personification of
Capulet's fingers
forms the image of
anger pulsing through
his fingers when his
anger is flipped and
temper surged.
The verb 'itch' suggests that Capulet's anger was
rising in front of our eyes and reflected the build
up of a tradegdythat is fast approaching.