Romeo and Juliet: Act 1 Scene 1 Quotes

"I hate the word, as I hate hell, all Montagues and thee"

(Tybalt to Benvolio) First introduction to the families fued, shows the severity of their disputes and how Tybalt links his insult to religion; emphasising how he hates every Montague, he is full of anguish and hatred - ironically linking to the merging of the families at the end -.

"This love feel I, that feel no love in this"

Although Romeo's heart aches for Rosaline, he is in love with her, he is not loved in return which makes him think 'Dost thou not laugh?' as he himself finds it a embarassinh but oppressive situation.

"I'll pay that doctrine, or else die in debt."

Benvolio is willing to teach Romeo a lesson to 'Examine other beauties', and he mentions that his job as a friend to owe him would not be fulfilled unless he takes Romeo's mind off Rosaline.

"Part fools! Put up your swords! You know not what you do... I do but keep the peace!"

First sighting of Benvolio, acts as the basis of his character throughout the play. He is not wanting a fight and is cursing the servants for not thinking; he wants them to put down the swords as his character does not want to resort to violence. He is compassionate amd caring.

"Do you bite your thumb at us, sir?"

In the Georgian times, this would have been seen as an offensive gesture. Although Sampson is biting his phumb, he is deliberately saying he is not doing it towards Abraham, but just doing it. Therefore he is tormenting the servents of Montague for a brawl; although he would not be the one to start it, he would still have the satisfaction of a fued.

"O, teach me how I should forget to think!"

Romeo is questioning Benvolio, almost ridiculing him as to how he would think he can get Romeo's mind off Rosaline. Although Romeo does want to accept his offer; he finds it difficult to how he would be able to forget.

"Love is a smoke made with the fume if sighs"

Romeo realises that love is not easy, it is only a metaphorical smoke that covers ones eyes and mind of seeing properly. However this is only as a result of the countless heartbreaks one will experience thus resulting in sighs of despair..

"O brawling love, O loving hate"

Romeo's speech uses many oxymorons, possibly to indicate his emotions and how he feels all this passion and love but he is shut down with coldness and hatred in return.