Question #afc43

1 Answer
Dec 8, 2017

Romeo went to the Capulet ball in order to see his crush Rosaline.
Act I, scene ii, lines 102-103

Explanation:

Romeo's friend Benvolio claims that the only reason Romeo thinks Rosaline is so great is that Romeo saw her when she was all alone, so there was no one to compare her to.

So has been egging on Romeo to go to the ball so he can compare Rosaline to other women. Benvolio thinks that comparing her will let Romeo realize that she's not as beautiful as Romeo thinks she is.

Romeo agrees to go, but he specifies that he isn't going in order to comply with Benvolio, but just for the chance to see Rosaline herself,

The passage is from Act I, scene ii, lines 102-103

BENVOLIO

Tut, you saw her fair, none else being by,
#(You  saw  her  when  she  was  by  herself.)#

Herself poised with herself in either eye.
But in that crystal scales let there be weighed
Your lady’s love against some other maid
#(But# let #your  eyes  see  her  compared#  to # other  women.)#

That I will show you shining at the feast,
And she shall scant show well that now shows best.
#(Then  she  won't  look  so  good)#

ROMEO

I’ll go along, no such sight to be shown, #color(white)...##color(white)... ##102 #
But to rejoice in splendor of mine own
.

#(I  will  go# to #  this  party#not to #compare  her, but just# to #enjoy# seeing # her.)#

Here is a side-by-side original and modern text of this passage:
http://nfs.sparknotes.com/romeojuliet/page_36.html