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All Site ContentRomeo and JulietAct 1Scene 1
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Cultural Reference
Cultural Reference
Act 1,
Scene 1
Lines 1-2

This is a comment by Gregory and Sampson that if they were given a task such as shoveling coal, it would be a sign of disrespect; a cultural reference made in Act 1, Scene 1 of myShakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet.

[Enter Sampson and Gregory, two high-ranking servants of the Capulet household, carrying swords and shields. Gregory is making fun of Sampson, who sees himself as a fearsome fighter]

Sampson

Gregory, on my word, we'll not carry coals.

Gregory

No, for then we should be colliers.

Shoveling coal was a dirty, menial task given to servants of the lowest status. Assigning such a task to Gregory and Sampson would be a sign of disrespect. When Sampson swears that they will not carry coal, he’s not speaking literally; rather, he means that they will not tolerate disrespect from anyone. Gregory jokingly pretends not to understand Sampson’s meaning.