Mercutio In Romeo And Juliet

The Shakespearean tragedy of Romeo and Juliet is a beloved and heavily studied. Mercutio is often a character of much debate, and people argue about his role in the story. He is Romeo’s best friend and a relative of the Prince. What makes him a unique character is that, even though he is a minor character, he is always remembered by those who watch or read the play. The reason for this is that Mercutio makes many of the jokes and he dies during the climax of the play. Mercutio’s role in the play is a hotly debated topic. Critics say that he exists only to please the Elizabethan audience of the time or to further the plot. Others say that is one of the most important minor characters and a true companion of Romeo; that his jokes transcend

When Romeo told Mercutio of his dreams, he replied that “Queen Mab hath been with you” (1.4.58). Mercutio then goes off and describes her. The most interesting part of Mercutio is his lack of compassion; he believed that Romeo dreaming simply meant he was controlled by a fairy. Whether it was sarcastic or serious it is important to realize that Mercutio connects all fallacies to this Queen Mab character. Queen Mab herself is an interesting character described as the tiny queen of the fairies, Mercutio’s monologue is sweet and nice until “the angry Mab with blisters plague” (1.4.80) arrives. From here on, Queen Mab is describes as sick, twisted, and grotesque. Unlike that of a fairy queen and the persona from the first half of the monologue. Mercutio uses remarks such as “foul sluttish hairs” (1.4.95) and even calls Queen Mab “the hag” (1.4.97). It is astonishing to see Mercutio’s perspective of her change so rapidly. Mercutio’s personality explains this. He is a pessimist who thought everything would go wrong. He’d pester Romeo about love as if it wasn’t important and spend his life trying to have fun. Mercutio tries to have fun to cover the fact that he thinks everything will always go wrong. Queen Mab is the master of dreams and nightmares; you can’t always have dreams. This is Mercutio’s view on life. The nightmare will come sooner or later; best to live to

Herbert McArthur’s work, Romeo’s Loquacious Friend, explores this idea when Romeo witnessed Mercutio’s Queen Mab speech and the aftermath. Prior to this speech, Romeo was dating Roselyn with little luck. It was Mercutio’s words that sparked a fire in Romeo. After his speech, Mercutio noted that his speech was “nothing but vain fantasy” (1.4.105). However, this was not Romeo’s reaction, after Benvolio hussed Mercutio, Romeo exclaimed that “some consequence yet hanging in the stars shall bitterly begin his fearful date with this night’s revels” (1.4.114-116) showing that he believed this night was important. Romeo saw this night as a gift from the stars; a place to have fun and live life the way Mercutio does. Though he was looking for more than just a good time. Romeo wanted a woman to fall in love with. Mercutio did not seem open to the idea of love, but Romeo did wish to replace Roselyn. Romeo shows this when he boldly states, “steerage of my course direct my sail Oh lusty gentlemen” (1.4.119-120). Romeo here states that he wishes to satisfy his lust. Previously he never stated that he was interesting in finding someone. Only after Mercutio’s speech did Romeo realize all he had to lose. He could spend his entire youth being depressed, or have fun and fall in love. It is this train of thought that ran through Romeo’s head, and it was all caused by the Queen Mab. Romeo’s friendship with Mercutio