Question

which words does shakespeare focus on to make a pun in these lines from romeo and juliet? gregory: \draw thy tool! here comes two of the house of the montagues.\ sampson: \my naked weapon is out: quarrel, i will back thee.\ gregory: \how! turn thy back and run?\ \back\; first meaning \back you up,\ then meaning \turn your back\ the double entendre of \quarrel\ \weapon\

Explanation:

The word "back" is used with two different meanings. First, Sampson says "I will back thee" meaning he will support or back - up Gregory. Then Gregory says "turn thy back and run" referring to the physical act of turning one's back. This is a pun. The other words "quarrel" and "weapon" do not have such dual - meaning plays in this context.

Answer:

"back"; first meaning "back you up," then meaning "turn your back"