Pride and Honour in William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet - Book Report/Review Example

Through Tybalt and Capulet, Shakespeare illustrates both the negative aspects of pride and the importance of honoring others as well as oneself.             Tybalt is introduced to the audience brimming with youthful arrogance. While Benvolio tries to avoid violence after Samson ‘bites his thumb’ at the Capulets, Tybalt ridicules the idea of peace: ‘What, drawn and talk of peace? I hate the word. As I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee.

’Capulet enters and is also ready to draw his sword against Samson, who Capulet claims ‘flourishes his blade in spite of me.’ Tybalt and Capulet read the biting of the thumb and the drawing of the sword as insults against their house and jump to defend it. This continues to be a trend for Tybalt, despite Prince Escalus’ chastisement that their quarrels ‘have thrice disturbed the quiet of our streets.’ The Prince makes it clear that while Tybalt and Capulet may have a high sense of familial pride, they neglect to honor their country and fellow citizens.

As the Prince warns that further disregard for a peaceful Verona will result in death, Shakespeare also warns of excessive pride that eclipses one’s honoring of one’s country and neighbors.             Unfortunately, the Prince’s message is not headed by Tybalt, as he again hastily calls for his rapier against Romeo at Capulet’s masquerade. Capulet, on the other hand, appears to have listened. He tells Tybalt that Romeo’s presence ‘shall be endured.

’ However, Capulet also slings insults at Tybalt, calling him a ‘saucy boy’ and a ‘princox.’ Then a dance ends, and Capulet jumps between entertaining and complimenting his guests, ordering servants, and lecturing Tybalt. His divided attention indicates that perhaps he is not hoping to honor his city and restore peace, but rather to appear as a gracious host. Nevertheless, Shakespeare does use Capulet to relay an ominous and prophetic message to Tybalt: ‘This trick may chance to scathe you.

’ Capulet chastises Tybalt for his youthful arrogance, warning that it may one day hurt him, though it remains unclear whether Capulet has understood true honor, or whether he simply wishes to look good in front of a crowd. Meanwhile, Tybalt has ignored both the Prince and Capulet. He vows that ‘this intrusion shall, Now seeming sweet, convert to bitt’rest gall.’ He sends a note to Romeo, challenging him to a duel, but Romeo refuses. Mercutio, declaring Romeo’s rebuff a ‘calm, dishonorable, vile submission,’ fights Tybalt instead.