In Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet," the character Benvolio plays a significant role as a friend and confidant to Romeo. In Act 1, Scene 2, Benvolio encounters Romeo in a state of distress and attempts to cheer him up.
At the beginning of the scene, Benvolio asks Romeo what is troubling him, to which Romeo replies "Why then, O brawling love! O loving hate! O anything of nothing first create! O heavy lightness, serious vanity, misshapen chaos of well-seeming forms, feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health, still-waking sleep, that is not what it is" (1.2.138-144). This cryptic response reveals that Romeo is consumed by his love for a woman named Rosaline, who has sworn to remain chaste.
In an effort to lift Romeo's spirits, Benvolio suggests that they go to the Capulet's party, where they can "saw new eyes to new ears" (1.2.169) and find other women to distract them from their unrequited love. Romeo initially resists this suggestion, stating that he has "no will to wander forth" (1.2.170). However, Benvolio persists and eventually convinces Romeo to come along.
As the two friends attend the party, Romeo's attention is drawn to Juliet, the daughter of his family's mortal enemy, the Capulets. Despite their feud, Romeo and Juliet fall deeply in love and their relationship ultimately leads to their tragic deaths.
Throughout the play, Benvolio serves as a voice of reason and tries to bring peace to the feuding families. However, his efforts are ultimately in vain as the hatred between the Montagues and Capulets proves to be too great.
In conclusion, when Benvolio talks with Romeo, he finds his cousin in a state of despair over his unrequited love for Rosaline. Through his encouragement and persuasion, Benvolio helps Romeo move on and find love with Juliet. Despite their best efforts, their love is ultimately doomed due to the ongoing feud between their families.
