Prince Escalus is depicted as a powerful ruler who commands respect and obedience
from his subjects in the play "Romeo and Juliet".
EVIDENCE/QUOTE: "Rebellious subjects, enemies to peace, Profaners of this neighborstained steel,— Will they not hear? What, ho! you men, you beasts, That quench the fire of
your pernicious rage With purple fountains issuing from your veins, On pain of torture, from
those bloody hands Throw your mistemper'd weapons to the ground" (Act 1, Scene 1).
TECHNIQUE (LITERARY/LINGUISTIC) ANALYSIS OF THE EVIDENCE/QUOTE:
Repetition: Prince Escalus repeats the phrase "you men, you beasts" to highlight the savagery
of the brawlers and emphasize the severity of their actions.
Metaphor: The use of "purple fountains" as a metaphor for blood emphasizes the violence
and tragedy that results from the feud.
Imperative sentence: The use of imperative sentences, such as "Throw your mistemper'd
weapons to the ground," creates a sense of urgency and commands obedience from the
subjects.
DEEPER BROADER EXTENSIVE EXPLANATION OF THE EVIDENCE & TECHNIQUE:
Prince Escalus' speech in Act 1, Scene 1 demonstrates his authority and power as a ruler. He
addresses the brawlers as "rebellious subjects" and "enemies to peace," which establishes his
role as a mediator and defender of the law. The repetition of the phrase "you men, you
beasts" underscores the brutal nature of the feud and highlights the senselessness of the
violence. The metaphor of "purple fountains" serves as a powerful image that symbolizes the
tragic consequences of the feud, and the imperative sentences that Prince Escalus uses
emphasize his authority and command obedience from his subjects.
ZOOMING ON SPECIFIC WORD OR SHORT PHRASE FROM THE EVIDENCE:
The phrase "throw your mistemper'd weapons to the ground" is significant because it shows
Prince Escalus' determination to put an end to the violence and restore order in Verona. The
use of the adjective "mistemper'd" suggests that the weapons are not just tools of defense,
but rather instruments of destruction that are used recklessly and without consideration for
the consequences.
WRITER'S INTENTION:
Shakespeare portrays Prince Escalus as a just and authoritative ruler who values peace and
order above all else. By having Prince Escalus command the brawlers to throw down their
weapons, Shakespeare emphasizes the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully and
avoiding unnecessary bloodshed. Furthermore, Prince Escalus' speech sets the stage for the
tragedy that unfolds later in the play, as the feud between the Capulets and Montagues
ultimately leads to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet.
CONTEXT:
"Romeo and Juliet" is a play set in Verona, Italy, during the Renaissance. The play tells the
story of two young lovers from feuding families whose passion leads to their tragic deaths.
Prince Escalus is a minor character in the play, but his role as a ruler and mediator is essential
to the plot.
LINK BACK TO THE QUESTION:
In conclusion, Prince Escalus is portrayed as a powerful ruler in "Romeo and Juliet" who
commands respect and obedience from his subjects. His speech in Act 1, Scene 1
demonstrates his authority and highlights his role as a mediator and defender of the law.
Shakespeare's use of language, such as repetition, metaphor, and imperative sentences,
emphasizes Prince Escalus' power and underscores the importance of maintaining peace and
order in society.