Romeo and Juliet

Logical language is the use of common sense and well devised conclusions to further advance one’s capability of perspicuous, sound reasoning. In Romeo & Juliet, written by William Shakespeare, the use of reasonable language reveals different characteristics of Benvolio’s character. Benvolio uses specific logical words to reveal his honest and peaceful character. From such use of language, the reader is driven to notice Benvolio’s cold personality as he lacks emotion in most situations. Through different characters, Shakespeare suggest that Benvolio is not who he first seems to be, as they describe his violent and hypocritical life beyond the dialogue. Shakespeare’s use of logical language discloses the many complex aspects of Benvolio’s character.

The use of logical language, in the play, reveals Benvolio to be a very rational character that strives to keep the peace in his community. When Benvolio witnesses the brawl between the two rival families, he immediately takes action. Benvolio refers to them as “fools” (I, i, 58) and insists that they put up their swords because they “know not what do.” (I, i, 59). Every Shakespearean line has a purpose and a role in developing the plot. When Benvolio tries to put an end to the chaotic fight, one can notice his logic and rationality as he explains to both groups that they do not know what they are doing, since their actions will have consequences. These lines also suggest that Benvolio is the peacemaker, as he eagerly stops the fight between the Montagues and the Capulets. This works very evidently because the fight scene is Benvolio’s first appearance and determines the reader’s base interpretation of the character. Furthermore, Benvolio’s peaceful character is further developed as he tries to persuade Mercutio to retreat from the place they are at, to avoid encountering conflict with Tybalt. Considering the Prince’s warning, Benvolio begs “thee, good Mercutio” (III, i, 1) to “retire” (III, i, 1) because they “shall not scape a brawl” (III, i, 3), if they meet. To continue the flow of the play, Shakespeare purposely includes this scene, between Benvolio and Mercutio, to refer back to previous foreshadowing and further develop Benvolio’s character. Acknowledging the consequences of starting a fight, Benvolio attempts to avoid a brawl, which reveals his urge to keep the peace. Additionally, Benvolio is revealed as rational, peaceful and aware of his surroundings as he instructs Mercutio and Tybalt to depart to a more private place. Benvolio was driven by his peaceful nature to suggest that Mercutio and Tybalt have to “reason coldly of your grievances” (III, i, 49) because “here all eyes gaze on us” (III, i, 50). This text also shows his level of rationality when he points out that people are observing, as they are in a public place, which suggests that he is very concerned about their social appearance. Shakespeare’s use of specific, logical language is very purposeful in developing Benvolio’s rational and peaceful character.

Benvolio uses logical language to truthfully explain earlier events, however, his retellings lack emotion. During Benvolio’s first scene, he is required to retell the fight, between the Montagues and the Capulets, to the Prince. In the middle of his retelling, Benvolio includes the fact that “[he] drew to part them” (I,i, 103). This text implies that Benvolio is a trusted character, since the Prince asked him specifically to explain the events that took place. However, Benvolio admits to the Prince that he drew his own sword to break the fight. Benvolio’s confession, about his role in the fight, shows that his retelling is logical and truthful, but lacks emotion, since he does not fear the consequences that the Prince may set. Furthermore, the second situation, where Benvolio is expected to fulfill his truthful and emotionless stigma, is when the Prince asks him about who began the brawl. Benvolio explains that “There lies the man, slain by young Romeo,/ That slew thy kinsman, brave Mercutio” (III, i, 140-141). This shows his lack of emotion, as he bluntly states that Romeo, who is his cousin, killed Tybalt, while one of his closest friends was slain by Tybalt. Benvolio’s use of logical language implies that he himself lacks emotion as he plainly describes how his friend is now dead and his cousin became a killer. Similarly, Benvolio’s lack of emotion is shown as he offers something priceless for his honesty and sincerity. In his final and most detrimental line in the play, he indicates that “This is the truth, or let Benvolio die” (III, i 171). This shocks the reader as it leaves the final impression of Benvolio in such a powerful way. The final line creates and leaves the reader with the idea of how much Benvolio valued honesty, as he places it on the