The character of Benvolio in Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet" is often overlooked in favor of the more flashy and passionate characters such as Romeo and Mercutio. However, Benvolio serves an important role in the play as a voice of reason and peace in a world filled with violence and strife.
Benvolio is a cousin of Romeo and a member of the Montague family, which is locked in a longstanding feud with the Capulet family. Despite being caught up in the midst of this feud, Benvolio is a peacemaker at heart and always tries to find ways to avoid conflict and bring about reconciliation. This is demonstrated early on in the play when he tries to calm down the hot-headed Tybalt, who is eager to pick a fight with Romeo at the Capulet party. Benvolio advises Tybalt to let the matter go, saying "I do but keep the peace. Put up thy sword, Or manage it to part these men with me" (Act 1, Scene 1).
Benvolio's desire for peace is not just limited to avoiding physical conflict, but also extends to trying to find ways to resolve the longstanding feud between the Montagues and Capulets. When Romeo becomes lovesick and mopey after being rejected by Rosaline, Benvolio tries to cheer him up by suggesting that they go to the Capulet party and see if they can find someone new for Romeo to fall in love with. In this way, Benvolio is trying to bring Romeo and Juliet, the children of the two rival families, together in the hopes of eventually ending the feud.
In addition to being a peacemaker, Benvolio is also a voice of reason and practicality in the play. When Romeo is struggling to come to terms with his banishment and the prospect of being separated from Juliet, Benvolio advises him to "be ruled by me. Forget to think of [Juliet], And look but on the bright side of the earth" (Act 2, Scene 2). While Romeo is consumed by his emotions and unable to think clearly, Benvolio tries to provide a more balanced perspective and help Romeo see the bigger picture.
Overall, the character of Benvolio serves as a foil to the more impulsive and hot-headed characters in "Romeo and Juliet." His calm, rational approach to problem-solving and desire for peace provide a much-needed counterbalance to the violence and chaos that surrounds him. Benvolio's efforts to bring about reconciliation and resolve the feud ultimately prove unsuccessful, but his role as a peacemaker and voice of reason is an important one in the play.
