Act 1, Scene 1: Servant Rivalry and Male Aggression
Shakespeare introduces the theme of aggressive male behaviour in Romeo and Juliet through the opening scene's confrontation between Montague and Capulet servants. This sets the stage for exploring how masculinity and violence are intertwined in Verona's society.
Quote: "My naked weapon is out."
This line, spoken by Sampson, a Capulet servant, exemplifies the use of phallic imagery to assert dominance. Shakespeare employs this sexual innuendo to:
- Highlight the connection between masculinity and violence
- Provide comedic relief for the Elizabethan audience, particularly the "groundlings"
- Criticize the cyclical nature of aggression in society
Highlight: The servants' use of prose in their dialogue underscores Shakespeare's critique of male aggression as futile and pointless in the larger conflict.
Another significant moment in this scene is when Sampson declares:
Quote: "I will bite my thumb at them"
This gesture:
- Symbolizes conflict and male dominance
- Represents an immature and silent way to provoke a fight
- Demonstrates how even small actions can escalate into violence
Shakespeare uses these interactions to establish violence as a key theme and illustrate how male aggression permeates all levels of society, from servants to nobles.
Vocabulary: Groundlings - The lower-class audience members who stood in the pit of Elizabethan theaters.