Act 3 Scene 1

The first scene of the act commences in a public place where Benvolio suggests wisely to Mercutio that they should head home as the day is heating up, and on “these hot days,” their “mad blood stir[s],” meaning there is a good chance that they might encounter the Capulets, and this could cause a fight. Through descriptive language, Shakespeare emphasises that Benvolio is a calming presence and desperately wants to avoid any sort of conflict, which stands testament to his amicable character. Mercutio teases Benvolio, and Tybalt enters the scene, ready, as always, to give or take offence. Mercutio starts to bait him, while Benvolio, aware that this could cause a fight and knowing of the Prince’s earlier warning, begs them to withdraw to a more private place.