Nikhil 25/1/20

How does Shakespeare present male aggression in the extract and the play as a whole?

In Shakespeare’s 15th century play he presents male aggression to be prominent within society at the
time and how male superiority can lead to conflict and violence. There are numerous occasions
where there were fights between families and over characters throughout the play. All of these
fights were instigated or performed by male characters. In the play we see the women along with
Benvolio trying to be the peacemakers.

In the first scene of the play we meet the servants; Sampson and Gregory from the Capulets and
Abram from the Montagues are having a conversation which reflects the male superiority in the 15 th
century. The servants are men who choose to “quarrel” due to the hatred they have of the opposing
family. In the play this conflict is seen as unnecessary and performed by the men of the families who
love their own families greatly. During the argument there is a sexual pun as Sampson jokes about
having his “naked weapon” out. The argument and joke in this scene highlight the ways that
masculinity is seen.

In the extract, Capulet’s servants want the Montagues to start off the fight so that they have
protection against the law: “take the law of our sides, let them begin”. This proves that both families
don’t need to fight but the men want to instigate one for no reason. The audience notice how
violence comes from nothing throughout the play as it doesn’t have to happen but the men feel the
urge to whereas the women try to be more peaceful. The way in which Sampson almost corrects
Gregory about how to instigate a fight shows the encouragement from each other which leads to
more aggressive behaviour. Sampson opposes Gregory’s idea of getting the Montagues attention,
“nay, as they dare” and suggests his own which sounds more uncertain with an element of risk
shown by the dangerous noun “dare”. The noun also would see the Montagues as weak and
apprehensive if they didn’t react to the “bite of the thumb”.

The theme of male aggression is apparent through the whole play as we see the higher classed
characters also fighting and suspect to violence emphasising how common it is. The main character
throughout they play where we see male aggression is from Tybalt. In the same scene Tybalt enters
during the fight where he encounters Benvolio who asks for assistance to create peace between the
two families. However, Tybalt states that he “hates” the word “peace” as also expresses his hate for
the Montagues. The powerful verb “hate” further shows the tension and hatred between the two
families due to the love for their own and how that brings out the aggression and violence between
them. The hyperbolic phrases that he “hates the word” highlights how rage and passionate
aggression can bring thoughts and opinions – especially with the men in the play.

Tybalt is also seen as aggressive in Act 1 Scene 5 at Capulet’s party in his mansion. It happens when
Tybalt spots Romeo Montague and his first instinct is to ask for someone to “fetch his rapier”. This
incentive from Tybalt makes vivid his violent mannerism about his character. The commanding verb
“fetch” shows that in the depths of aggression, he uses an authoritative voice and power to express
his anger. When Tybalt goes to approach Capulet he is calmed down and referred to as “boy” which
further aggresses him. The use of the noun “boy” almost makes Tybalt seem as if he is a child who
needs to be controlled.

In addition to this, Lord Capulet also displays aggressive behaviour when Juliet ignores his will for her
to marry Paris.  He refers to her as “baggage” and threatens that he will “drag” her through the
streets. The use of word “baggage” indicates that he thinks she is annoying and preventing Capulet
from being the leader of the family that he is meant to be. Lord Capulet sees Juliet as something as
an annoyance in his path, and as a result his “fingers itch” at the sight of her.  This demonstrate how,
Nikhil 25/1/20

despite Juliet being his daughter, he would still express his irritation through physical violence –
something that was not uncommon in the context of the play even on his own daughter. Capulet’s
violence further proves the theme of male superiority which leads to aggression.

Overall, Shakespeare theme of aggressive male behaviour in this extract as well as the whole play
shows the male dominance in society and how that can lead to violence and conflict between the
two families. He makes vivid that the conflict roots from hatred of opposing family members and the
men’s strong passion to protect and love for their own family.