How is the theme male aggression and violence shown in the play?

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Romeo and Juliet- Male Aggression
Maisy Chattoe
Mind Map by Maisy Chattoe, updated more than 1 year ago
Maisy Chattoe
Created by Maisy Chattoe about 6 years ago
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Resource summary

How is the theme male aggression and violence shown in the play?
  1. Introduction
    1. 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.
    2. Act 1, Scene 1
      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.
        1. 'Do you bit your thumb at us, sir?' 'I do, sir'
          1. 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.
            1. 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.
              1. 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.
              2. 'What noise is this? Give me my long sword, ho!'
                1. 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.
                  1. 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.
                    1. 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.
                      1. 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.
                    2. Act 1, Scene 5
                      1. I will withdraw: but this intrusion shall now seeming sweet convert to bitter gall.
                        1. Tybalt is being instructed by his Uncle not to start any conflict at the arrival of Romeo in the party.
                          1. The reaction of Tybalt at first is quite surprising (the fact he obeys his father). Suggests the older generation had an even greater power.
                            1. 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.
                              1. 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.
                            2. Act 3, Scene 1
                              1. Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries That thou hast done me; therefore turn and draw
                                1. 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.
                                  1. 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.
                                    1. 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.
                                      1. 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.
                                      2. The commanding nature of Tybalt expresses the aggressive trates of men.
                                        1. 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.
                                      3. Act 3, Scene 4
                                        1. Lord Capulet is demanding that Juliet marries Paris and when she chooses to disobey him, he see's red and shows his real sides.
                                          1. 'My fingers itch.'
                                            1. The personification of Capulet's fingers forms the image of anger pulsing through his fingers when his anger is flipped and temper surged.
                                              1. 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.
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