In William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," Romeo and Benvolio attend the Capulet's party despite the longstanding feud between the Montagues and the Capulets for a few reasons:
-
Disguise and Masks: The party is a masked ball, which allows guests to conceal their identities. This provides a level of anonymity, making it possible for Romeo and Benvolio to attend without being recognized as Montagues.
-
Benvolio’s Suggestion: Benvolio encourages Romeo to join him at the party as part of an effort to help him get over his unrequited love for Rosaline. He believes that seeing other women will help distract Romeo from his infatuation, which is another motivator for their attendance.
-
The Nature of the Feud: Although the Montagues and Capulets are sworn enemies, the social customs of Verona allow for some degree of mingling at public events, especially since it is a festive occasion. Their rivalry is strong, but it's not absolute in terms of restricting interactions in social settings.
-
Opportunity for Adventure: Young and impulsive, Romeo and Benvolio may see the Capulet party as an adventure. Their attendance signifies the youthful defiance and excitement characteristic of their age.
Ultimately, Romeo and Benvolio’s decision to attend the party sets the stage for the fateful meeting between Romeo and Juliet, which leads to the central conflict of the play.
1 answer