You are here

"fear"
Wordplay
Act 1,
Scene 1
Lines 32-35

An explanation of the double meaning of the word “fear” in Act 1, Scene 1 of myShakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

Sampson

My naked weapon is out. Quarrel, I will back thee.

Gregory

How? Turn thy back and run?

Sampson

Fear me not.

Gregory

No, marry; I fear thee!

Gregory and Sampson play off each other, taking advantage of fear’s double meaning:

  • Sampson uses "fear" to mean doubt, as in, "don't doubt that I'll have your back."
  • Gregory uses the word in our familiar sense. He's mocking Sampson, as if to say, "you're so scary, I'm shaking in my boots."