"Die and I will take my own death at whatever time Zeus and the rest of the immortals choose to accomplish it." (XXII, 268-269)
Achilleus claims that he is satisfied with dying whenever the gods descide it is his time, because he has finally killed Hektor. In my opinion, Achilleus' wrath is only semi-justified. He had the right to be angry at Hektor, for killing Patroklos, but I do not think Achilleus had to go as far as killing him. Achilleus knows how important someones pride is, and that is why he had to disgrace Hektor by dragging his corpse through the dirt, after killing him. That can not even be discribed as revenge, that is cruel and hateful. Achilleus' actions are often rash and he is often headstrong, as shown in this quote.
Achilleus' wrath towards Agamemnon was on a different level than his hate for Hektor was. This anger, was more for his eggo, and glorification, rather than revenge. The two warriors were in essence fighting over women, Cryses, and Brises. This anger can not be justified, because it delt with their self-satisfaction; they were not fighting for something significant.

The Roles of Women

Women play important roles in motivating action and shaping the future. Helen, for example, is the immediate cause of the Trojan War. Briseis is the cause of the rift between Achilleus and Agamemnon. Athene, Thetis, and other goddesses also affect the action of The Iliad. Which female in the epic do you feel played the most significant role? Why? Provide at least one supporting quotation.

The Role of the Hero

In ancient cultures, heroes were those men who embodied the values of their civilizations. What is one value the Greek civilians held that Achilleus possessed? Or, what is a characteristic of Hektor's that the Trojan culture revered? And why? Provide textual evidence to support your claim.

The Wrath of Achilleus

The main focus of The Iliad is the anger of the Greek warrior Achilleus and the revenge he seeks against those who wrong him. Is Achilleus's anger towards Agamemnon justified? How about his anger towards Hektor? Support your claim with at least one quotation from the text.

Benvolio is Sympathetic

Benvolio is Sympathetic

"At thy good heart's oppression." (Act I, Scene i, Line 178)

"At thy good heart's oppression," simply means that Benvolio is saying that he is crying because Romeo is. Benvolio is sympathetic in that he weeps because Romeo is also crying and in pain because he is pining over Rosaline. Romeo's pain became his own as he is so attuned to Romeo and cares so much about his cousin that when one hurts, so does the other. This makes Benvolio a good cousin and friend who is very sensitive to the feelings of others. His sympathy for Romeo makes him sad just as Romeo is. This leads to Benvolio for the rest of the play always trying to make sure his beloved cousin Romeo is happy and isn't drawn back into sadness.

Benvolio the Peace keeper

“I pray thee, good Mercutio, let's retire.
The day is hot; the Capulets, abroad;
And if we meet we shall not 'scape a brawl,
For now, these hot days, is the mad blood stirring.”(III,i,1-4)

Throughout the tale of Romeo and Juliet Benvolio is constantly trying to keep the peace between the Montagues and the Capulets. He tries to lead his friends and family to avoid all possible fights. Benvolio is the one who never pulls out his sward in a fight unless he has absolutely no choice. Too bad his friends and family do not fallow his example. He knows that if his family and friends are not injured in a fight with the Capulets that they will be in trouble with the Prince. Unfortunately, the ones Benvolio cares about most do not usually listen to him. They usually jump into things and pull out their swards and start to fight immediately without even considering Benvolio’s thoughts and points. He is a kind and gentle person who tries his hardest to keep the peace between his friends and foes.

Friar Lawrence:wise

"Within the infant rind of this weak flower, poison hath residence and medicine power."
(Act II iii)

With this quote, Friar Lawrence's words are rich and far more meaningful than appeared. This inflicts the literary device of a paradox. Most people do not capture the significance of this metaphor. Although the quote may be referring to a flower, it has the actual intended purpose of referring to a human being. Friar states "poison hath residence" relating to the immoral side of man. "Medicine power" represents the good side of a person because medicine's purpose is to abolish illness and restore happiness. For him to come up with this exceptionally cleaver referrence displays his superior quality of intellegance. The Friar's words are so effective they reflect on his sharp and bright mind.

Benvolio; you are Benevolent

…The passive and honorable Benvolio was one to be respected until the end.

--------------------------------------------------------------

"I Pray thee good Mercutio, let’s retire:

The day is hot, the Capulets abroad,

And, if we meet, we shall not scape a brawl:

For now, these hot days, is the mad blood stirring."

(III.i.1-2)

--------------------------------------------------------------

A poor and troubled man torn between his family and what he knows is right. A man that is pulled by his will to do good and the honor of his family. Obviously, this man is confused but the supremacy of right is top quality in his skull. This quote along with anon quotes to come, Benvolio is portrayed as a soft spoken type of man, who would much rather speak with his brains than his weapon. He respects the reputation of his family and his guilt. He sees the truth in killing a man over his last name, the reasoning filled to the brink of stupidity. It is craven and purely insane that they seek such a public place for their ruff housing, and between the belligerent other males Benvolio truly shows his peaceful mind throughout scene III. He does respect their lethal choices but would much prefer that they didn’t act upon them. In a few sections he casually suggests a private place, or a conversation or two to settle things through something else, rather than murder. Throughout most of the book he takes a back seat to other plots, but in this area is where he truly proves his personality. Perhaps, if someone had taken the time to listen to his sensible words, two (even a few more) would be animate.

--------------------------------------------------------------

“We talk here in the public haunt of men:

Either withdraw unto some private place,

And reason coldly of your grievances,

Or else depart, here all eyes gaze on us.”

(III.i.14-17)

--------------------------------------------------------------

All in all, Benvolio truly has all human kind on mind, instead of his selfish drive to exterminate elderly foes. Cheers to the Benevolent Benvolio.

Benvolio the Mediator

The Capulet-Monatgue feud almost always took place in the streets of Venice where any one in public was vulnerable to the result of the battles between the groups. Those affected most were the memebers of the feuding families. In between the feuding families were the groups of friends who supported the memebers of the families, including Benvolio and Mercutio with Romeo. Benvolio, mostly unbiased towards the entire feud is the unfortunate victim of the feud. Always trying to prevent and resolve any dispute between the families for any reason, he catches the wrong end of the sword. After Mercutio died, Romeo was infuriated and began to go after Tybalt. Benvolio, being the mediator tried to stop him, but the effort was no use. Had anyone listened to Benvolio, Mercutio's death could probably have been avoided and Romeo and Juliet Might not have died.

"Nay, and there were two such, we should have none shortly, for one would kill the other. Thou! Why, thou...tutor me from quarreling!" (III, i, 15-27)

The Vulnerable Juliet

What satisfaction canst thou have tonight? (II, ii, 126)

Throughtout the play, Juliet portrays herself as an innocent teen in love; she is also vulnerable as a consequence of her purity. In this scene, Romeo says, "O, wilt thou leave me so unsatisfied?", Juliet's clean mind, asked how she could satisfy him. Her vulnerability, or innocence that helps her to see the best in people, did not think about what Romeo was actually asking for. She is vulnerable, becuase she is in a way clueless and inexperienced, and in love. Juliet is seeing everything through rosycolored lenses, and often sees things Romeo says in a different light they are intended. In my view, Romeo noticed this, and then purposes to exchanged vows, to cover up what he just said. If it weren't for her nievity i think Romeo would have asked for something else. Although Juliet's vulerability may keep her pure, it can also be misinturpreted for something else.

Rambling Nurse

Peace, you mumbling fool!

Utter you gravity o'er a gossip's bowl,

For here we need it not.

The Nurse is not able to keep her mouth shut during the entire story of Romeo and Juliet. She rambles on about nothing most the time, and cannot really give any sound advise. The reason for this is because she cannot make up her own mind. One minute she is telling Juliet what a wonderful man romeo is, and that she should stay with him as a good wife. Next, she is saying how great of an idea marrying Paris would be. This happens throughout the play, and she is also constantly putting in her "two cents" when no one asked "a penny for her thoughts." Unfortunately for Juliet, this is the motherly figure in her life, and is somewhat of a "scatter-brain."

Benvolio the Believable

Benvolio clearly aligns himself as Romeo’s friend and a friend of the Montague, but never does he take an active part in furthering to feud. Indeed Benvolio tells the story of every feud exactly as it happened, with absolutely no turns in the favor of his alliance. Benvolio tries to keep everyone calm and with a collected mind when there is the possibility of a fight. Benvolio also tries to keep Romeo from going insane himself, comforting him. Benvolio shows genuine concern for Romeo’s well being, but he also cares for the peace of the families, thus not tilting the story anyone way when he is called upon to repeat what happened. Benvolio had the potential to be the piviotal point that would have helped all of Romeo and Juliet's options but he was left ignored and minor, other pivots came into play, and all went south.

"Part fools! Put up your swords. You know not what you do."

Lighthearted Mercutio

"More than Prince of Cats. O, he's the courageous capitan of complements. He fights as you sing pricksong- keeps time, distance, and proportion; he rests his minim rests, one, two, and in your bosom....." (II, iv, 18-25)

Mercutio laughs at his would be killer and jokes about his fencing skills as if they mean nothing and even when he knows he's dying he jokes about it by saying that its was just a scratch. His joking nature was partially what got him killed and spurred Tybalt on to encourage the rage Tybalt already felt toward the Montagues. Without Mercutio there is a very good chance that this play would have turned out very differently, because Mercutio was the cause that set the tragic ending of this play in action. If Mercutio took things a bit more seriously maybe he would not have died, which inevitably caused the death of Tybalt and the banishment of Romeo.

Rambunctious Romeo

"O, wilt thou leave me so unsatisfied?" (II, ii, 125)

Romeo is the type of person that likes to rush into relationships, and he expects a lot from Juliet. The first time Romeo and Juliet talk alone, Romeo wants many things from her. Before leaving Juliet's home in Act II scene ii, he states that he feels unsatisfied. She questions what satisfaction he wants, and he replies with, "The exhcange of thy love's faithful vow for mine." I feel that Romeo takes it a little too fast, and before even getting to know Juliet, he asks her to marry him. He falls for Juliet's looks more than her personalitly and passion for him. Romeo loves Juliet a lot, nut at the same time, he is a shallow person. Although I feel Romeo falls for Juliet partly because of her looks, he still has strong feelings for her and he ends up killing himself because of her. He is emotionaly attached to Juliet and loves her very much. This is why Romeo and Juliet end up dying. They rush into the relationship and try to get married when they hardly know each other and are very young. If Romeo waited longer before marrying Juliet, the plot would have been effected greatly. Romeo would not have ever talked to Friar Lawrence about the marraige, which then would not have gotten Friar directly involved in the family feud. Romeo being rambunctious makes the story of Romeo and Juliet interesting.

Juliet's Dedicated Nurse

Though she may seem minor, Juliet's Nurse essentially twists the conclusion of the “Romeo and Juliet” and alters the fate of her master and best friend. The Nurse is not only Juliet’s servant, but also her only true friend. She is constantly torn between doing what is expected of her, and doing what she feels will benefit Juliet’s feelings.

"Hie to your chamber: I'll find Romeo To comfort you." (III, ii, 142-143)

The Nurse will go to the ends of the earth to make sure Juliet is happy. She cares for her deeply and expresses much sincerity and love for the girl. Countless events can be used for evidence of the Nurse’s protection and love for her master, Whether Juliet needs defense from her parent’s neglect, someone to fetch her dear Romeo, or simply a shoulder to cry on, the Nurse is always there serving as her only real friend. Therefore, at the end, when the Nurse also agrees that Juliet should marry Paris, Juliet no longer has anyone to turn to and is pushed completely off the edge. Juliet then ventures to the Friar’s cell and receives her “poison,” later resulting in her death.

Adamant Romeo

Foolish Romeo, he much reminds of my own brother Epithemeus. They are both fairly stubborn, they both act on first impulse without considering the consequences, and they never think about the "What ifs" to a plan. Romeo's foolishness on the other hand was for love, but that strong bond between Romeo and Juliet led to the death of three people and eventually to the death of both himself and his wife, Juliet. His first adamant mistake was marrying Juliet the first time they met each other. Romeo never considered the feud or the consequences about if they were to be seen in another family's turf. Another mistake which led to the death of both Mercutio and his brother-in-law Tybalt was him attempting to stop the street fight, but as he was holding Mercutio back, he hadn't realized he was leaving vulnerable, and Tybalt found the chance to kill him. With this, Romeo was enraged with ferocity and went after Tybalt. Without considering the punishment for breaking the law, he immidiately killed Tybalt and was entirely upset about how he had looked upon this street fight which led to the death of not only one person, but to both of them. And his final mistake which led to the death of himself, Juliet, and Paris was him returning to Verona without knowing the Friar's plan. He returned to the Capulet's tomb where he found Paris who wanted Romeo dead, but in the end of the fight Romeo slays Paris. Romeo was horrified as to how he was "cursed to kill." Romeo then entered the tomb noticing that Juliet's cheeks were turning pink, but he never thought about that, he only wanted to die to be with her in heaven, so he drank the poison. With that mulish choice, Juliet kills herself to be with Romeo, and that ends the tale of the two lovers who were destiend to die.

Mercutio the Jester

Romeo. Pardon, good Mercutio. My business was great, and in such a case as mine a man may strain courtesy.
Mercutio. That's as much as to say, such a case as yours constrains a man to bow in the hams.
Romeo. Meaning, to curtsy. (II iv 50-55)

Yes, Mercutio is the jokester among friends. With his clever wit he can mock anyone at anytime, for any ocassion. Mercutio doesn't let the feud bring down his spirits, but only allows him to laugh at it with a joke or two on his part. Whether he be making fun of his friends or some frumpy nurse, spending time with Mercutio will give you a laugh.

The Presumptuous Paris

Paris may not be one of the main characters in Romeo and Juliet, but he is a vital one. This charcater is only present in a couple of scenes but still has an important role. Paris is the man who wants to marry Juliet for her beauty and her father's wealth and status. At first, Capulet wants Juliet to wait a while until she can marry Paris, but the death of Tybalt changed Capulet's mind. He lets Paris marry Juliet. Of course Juliet doesn't want to because she is already married to Romeo. In the few scenes that Paris is in, he shows a very dim-witted character. In Act IV. Scene I, Juliet says that she loves "someone", and Paris automatically thinks that she is talking about him when Juliet never refers to Paris. This shows a sense of ignorance and ego.

Benvolio, if only you were heard

And if he hear thee, thou wilt anger him. (II ii 39)

The play of Romeo and Juliet could have been twisted in a different direction if the characters just took a moment and listened to the wise words of Benvolio, especially in the fight scene between Tybult and Murcucio on the streets of Verona. He wants to stay friends with everyone, so he goes along with their plans, but if you notice he always stays as far out of the situation as he can. Benvolio always knows what is best and he speaks quietly, yet wisely when in a situation. In Act II scene ii, you will notice him on the side, knowing that this is not the right decision, and wishing everything would just be peaceful, but doesn't say anything because he doesn't want to be the "bad guy" or lose his friends. He believes the best would be for the fued between families, but wants to stay out of the situation so he doesn't get involved. Reading this, I actually feel bad for Benvolio because he always knows what is best for himself and his friends, but no one will listen to him. All he wants is peace and the best for his friends, and if the other characters would only realize and listen to what he is trying to say, they might actually all become friends and he fued would end.

Romeo: Hopeless, Flighty Romantic

But soft! What light through yonder window
breaks? It is the East, and Juliet is the sun! (I, ii,
1-2)

Romeo is not only one of the two "star" characters of Romeo and Juliet, he is also a multifaceted character to boot. Aside from his knack of causing nearly every problem in the play (it's bad luck, he swears!) Romeo is also a hopeless romantic, befitting his name. He plays up Juliet's good traits until she seems almost goddeslike. However, he is also extremely flighty, seeing as how one night he was pining for Rosaline, and a few nights later sacrificing his life for his newfound wife, Juliet. Combining both of these traits results in him rushing into his relationship with Juliet, which further results in problems, including the death of Mercutio, Tybalt, and ultimately himself and Juliet. Romeo acts as a sort of hose from which love and problems instead of water spew every which way, as much in one direction as another with great force. Being the "plot hose" as I like to call him, Romeo is also the driving force behind the entire story, it is his flighty, sudden, and powerful love for Juliet that causes the deaths of five major characters. Without Romeo, the story would be extremely boring.

Tybalt; a daring troublemaker

“What, drawn, and talk of peace! I hate the word,
As I hate hell, all Montagues and thee:
Have at thee, coward!”
(I.i.62-64)

It is safe to say that most who read Shakespeare's renowned play, Romeo and Juliet, think of Tybalt as being an intolerable and combative characater. This quote that is said in the streets of Verona clearly illustrates the type of person he is. This personality that Tybalt possesses is essential in the plot of Romeo and Juliet. Many fights spark becuase of his belligerant qualities and his knack for setting people into a mad rage. Not only is he willing to fight at the drop of a hat but he also makes a concerted effort to discrace the Montague nameat the same time. This unfortunate ability to set people off leads to the death of Mercutio and himself. Becuase of TYbalt's death, Lord and Lady Capulet both attempt to rush Juliet into a marriage with Paris. He has ways of transitioning from one tragic event to another.

Paris the Proud

Paris trough out the entire play is very proud. The first time he meets Juliet he decides that he wants to marry her and makes the arrangements. To him he felt that Juliet had no reason not to want to marry him and besides, she was more of a buisness exchange. Later when he is talking to the Friar about his wedding plans, Julit walks in. Before giving her a second breath he tells her how she will feel once she is married to him. Paris's head was floating in the clowds of pride because if he paid attention he probably would have been able to guess Juliet was not happy. Finally when Paris decided to visit Juliet in her tomb he finds Romeo there. Being the selfish, thick headed guy that he was decided that he was going to capture Romeo and save the day and have his name posted as the hero who caught Romeo. Before he knew it Romeo had killed him. Paris served as a proudfull character who thought much to high of himself.

Conceded Paris

"Do not deny to him that you love me." (Act IV, Scene I, Line 24)

Paris, in Romeo and Juliet, is extremely self-confident and conceded. Not only does he believe he is God's gift to women, but he believes that no women would every say no to something he said because of his amazing looks. Paris is the kind of guy in the play that loves himself and believes everyone else loves him too. He is so clueless in the play that he does not notice the way Juliet makes fun of him in Act 4, scene 1. His conceded nature is pretty much his whole charatcer. Whenever he is seen in the play, he acts all cocky. So, I think that the trait conceded is the best way to describe Paris.

Mercutio the Clown

Mercutio was the ultimate comidic figure in Romeo and Juliet . He often gives witty insults to Romeo to help lighten the mood of the play. For example, after the Capulet Ball, Romeo was hiding from his friends in order to sneak in to Juliet alone. That is when the audience hears Mercutio saying "....Romeo! Humors! Madman! Passion! Lover!...pronounce "love" and "dove" and I shall be satisfied!..."Mercutio often mocks Romeo about his love life, but he often mocks others as well. He demines and annoies the Nurse by calling her ugly and taunting her by singing that she is an"old hare hoar". Mercutio even presents a little comedy in his death. After being slain by Tybalt, Mercutio says the very well known pun "ask for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a grave man. Even in the face of death, Mercutio can't help but to make some wise crack!

The Not So Innocent Juliet

“With thy black mantle, till strange love, grow bold, think true love acted simple modesty.” (III, ii, 15-16)

In the beginning of the play, Romeo asked for Juliet’s satisfaction and she was trying to play innocent and pretend to not understand what he was asking for. After the marriage, however, she is ready to, as she says, “…belong to Romeo now, but he hasn't taken possession of me yet.”(III, ii, 26-27) Juliet is saying that she wishes that Romeo will climb up the balcony any second and take her virginity away for her on her wedding night. Juliet’s family has no suspicion of their marriage because it happened so fast and nobody would think a marriage ceremony would occur in two days; they just simply think she is in her room being a normal thirteen year old girl. After the night that Romeo does not show up, Juliet thinks about him constantly and when her parents announce that she will marry Paris the next week, she cannot think anything of it. In the next couple of scenes, Juliet is mourning over the thought of marrying Paris, she even goes to the highest degree of killing herself because of her love for Romeo. Juliet’s death shocks many people and brings mourn over her household. This comes to show that even the most innocent looking person can do the greatest damages to others.

Benvolio is the Benevolent Friend

"I pray thee, good Mercutio, let's retire.
The day is hot; the Capulets, abroad;
And if we meet we shall not 'scape a brawl,
For now, these hot days, the mad blood is stirring."(III, i, 1)

In one of Shakespeare's most famous plays, Romeo and Juliet, Benvolio seems like a quiet character. If readers listen and read the story closely, they might find that he does say many wise things. Benvolio is Mercutio's nephew and Romeo's cousin. Benvolio tries to make a genuine effort to defuse violent scenes in public places between the Montagues and the Capulets. He thinks every one would benefit from ending the feud. However, it's not as if he's the "goody-goody" friend; he sides with the Montagues. Mercutio says in the play that Benvoilio actually is very hot-tempered in private as well. But, Benvolio doesn't want the feud to cause harm to his friends, the Capulets, or innocent civillians. In the beginning of the play, Benvolio spends most of his time trying to help Romeo get his mind off of Rosaline, but Romeo barely listens. During the scene when Tybalt stirs up trouble, Benvolio is the one who tried to stop the fight. No one ever seems to hear poor Benvolio though.

Benvolio is benevolent. He is always genuine and he cares for his friends. Benvolio is also the voice of reason with this buddies, sort of like their very own Jiminy Cricket. All he wants to do is keep peace. He is kind, chairtable, and only wishes the best for his friends. It makes the readers wonder what would have been different about the play if the other characters had made an attempt to listen to his wise remarks. Never the less, Benvolio would be a fabulous friend to have. He would always want what would be best for his buddies, and he would try to keep them out of trouble.

Cocky Paris

"Happily met, my lady and my wife" (Act 4, Scene 1, Line 18)


Paris thinks that Juliet is very excited and happy to be marrying him. He thinks that Juliet should be gratful for being able to marry him. In some ways Paris is narcissistic, he is very full of himself. When Juliet replies to Paris's comment, she says,"That may be, sir, when I may be a wife" ( Act 4, Scene 1, Line 19) Juliet statement was directed towards Friar Lawerence, but Paris thought she was talking to him. Paris goes on about how happy she will be once they are husband and wife, not even considering what Juliet has to say. He is narcissistic, he it is always about him and how wonderful he is. Paris does not realy care what Juliet thinks, he looks at thier marriage as a business deal. A business deal that will benefit him.

Romantic Romeo

"It is my lady. Oh, it is my love (Romeo act 2, scene II line 10).

Romeo is a hormonal teenage boy, and just like most teenage boys Romeo is reluctant to find one woman whom he loves. That is, until he meets Juliet. He has a reputation in his community to fall in love with many women, and change his mind often. When he meets Juliet, just a few days later he loves her and they are sneaking away to be married. This quote said by Romeo about Juliet demonstrates his romantic quality he has around women. Although he might feel something special for Juliet, they had just met at a party a few days before and he was in love with Rosaline. It is pretty early to be calling Juliet your one and only love! Romeo is not deliberately changing his mind all the time, but sometimes being such a romantic person like Romeo turns into being impulsive and acting before thinking of the consequences.