THEME OF AGGRESSIVE MALE BEHAVIOUR IN ROMEO AND JULIET

introduction to describe aggressive male behaviour

"In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare presents aggressive male behaviour as performative, impulsive, and deeply rooted in honour and pride, often used as a threat to reinforce social order. Through characters like Sampson, Gregory, and Tybalt, Shakespeare shows how aggression is not just about physical violence, but about proving one's status and asserting dominance in a deeply patriarchal society. The Prince, too, exemplifies the violent enforcement of social order, as seen in his decree: ‘If ever you disturb our streets again, your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace.’ This shows that even authority, like the Prince's, is bound to aggression and the threat of violence, reinforcing the cycle of conflict in Verona."

‘my naked weapon is out’

said by Sampson

• likens violence to masculinity and signals his eagerness/readiness to conflict/fight

• ‘naked weapon’ not only his sword, but creates a deeper link between aggression and male identity.

‘how, turn thy back and run’

said by Gregory in response to Sampson

• mocks cowardice, showing that refusal to fight is shameful and unmanly

violence in act one scene one

celebrated as a way of proving one’s strength

“I will bite my thumb at them, which is a disgrace to them if they bear it.”

said by sampson

• highlighting the idea that aggression is performative.

• men would fight without a given reason, fuelled by their pride, in hopes to incite a fight, win, and gain more honour.

Tybalt

exhibits male aggression driven by toxic honour and pride.

• shown when he sees Romeo at the ball, he was angered at the fact a ‘villain is a guest’

• however his anger is ironic- both houses are said to be ‘alike in dignity’, giving the idea that using the excuse of honouring family as a reason for violence is essentially pointless, as the houses are similar.

code and order

The prince highlights how deeply embedded violence is in their society-

• ‘your lives shall pay the forfeit of peace’

  • peace is enforces by the threat of violence.

The Elizabethan honour code was created in order to settle disputes by a fight to the death, however was abused by aggressive men in society in order of their own gain of glory.