What effect does Benvolio's attitude towards love have on Romeo?
Benvolio clearly thinks that Romeo's 'love' for Rosaline is false and merely an infatuation—'blind is his love that best befits the dark.' Is there any evidence that this has an effect on Romeo?
Answer (3)
Well Benvolio believes this because Romeo has an immature love in which he swears to never forget Rosaline and yet he unwittingly does once he sees Juliet. So he only remembers the girls he currently sees, and forgets all others. Plus he doesn't even know Juliet at first, so his blind love is rather reckless. And a reckless person like Romeo would surely be unmoved by what benvolio said.
Benvolio's realistic view of love as infatuation influences Romeo's perspective and aids in his character development from infatuation with Rosaline to true love for Juliet. Shakespeare employs the interplay of light and darkness as a way to convey the complexities of love throughout his works. ;
Benvolio's rational perspective on love serves to highlight the superficial nature of Romeo's infatuation with Rosaline. Despite Benvolio's advice, Romeo remains fixated until he meets Juliet, which marks a transformation in his understanding of true love. Ultimately, Benvolio’s influence represents a contrast to Romeo’s impulsive emotions, which drive him toward genuine affection for Juliet.
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