Question

Which lines in this excerpt from act I of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet reveal that Romeo was avoiding Benvolio? BENVOLIO: Madam, an hour before the worshipped sun Peered forth the golden window of the east, A troubled mind drove me to walk abroad, Where, underneath the grove of sycamore That westward rooteth from this city side, So early walking did I see your son. Towards him I made, but he was 'ware of me And stole into the covert of the wood. I, measuring his affections by my own, Which then most sought where most might not be found, Being one too many by my weary self, Pursued my humor not pursuing his, And gladly shunned who gladly fled from me.

Answer 1

The lines "...but he was 'ware of me/ and stole into the covert of the wood..." and "...And gladly shunned who gladly fled from me..." shows that Romeo is fleeing from Benvolio. In the first line that demonstrates that Benvolio is being avoided, it tells how when Romeo saw his friend, he ran into the woods. In the second line, it shows how Benvolio is slightly upset but says that he will gladly shun he who gladly avoids him.