A foil is a character who highlights, through sharp contrast, the qualities of another character. Identify two characters in Act One of Romeo and Juliet who are foils for each other. What do you learn about the characters by seeing them in contrast to one another?

In Act One of "Romeo and Juliet," two characters who serve as foils for each other are Tybalt and Benvolio.

Analysis of Characters as Foils

Tybalt:

• Tybalt is aggressive, hot-headed, and quick to anger. He is deeply loyal to the Capulet family and harbors a strong hatred for the Montagues.
• His eagerness to fight and his disdain for peace are evident in his interactions, especially when he encounters Benvolio and later at the Capulet party.

Benvolio:

• Benvolio, on the other hand, is peace-loving, rational, and seeks to avoid conflict. He is a Montague but does not share Tybalt's animosity.
• He often tries to diffuse tense situations, as seen when he attempts to stop the street brawl in the opening scene.

Insights Gained from the Contrast

• Aggression vs. Peace: The contrast between Tybalt's aggression and Benvolio's peaceful nature highlights the theme of conflict versus harmony. It underscores the senselessness of the feud between the Montagues and Capulets.
• Impulsiveness vs. Rationality: Tybalt's impulsive behavior is juxtaposed with Benvolio's rationality, emphasizing the different ways individuals respond to the same situation.
• Family Loyalty: Both characters are loyal to their families, but their methods of expressing this loyalty differ significantly, providing insight into their personalities and values.

Final Answer

By contrasting Tybalt and Benvolio, Shakespeare highlights the destructive nature of unchecked aggression and the value of reason and peace. This contrast sets the stage for the unfolding tragedy and underscores the central themes of the play.