Mercutio In Romeo And Juliet

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare is the most famous love story in the English literary tradition. The events of these young lovers contrast hatred and revenge with love and a secret marriage, forcing the young star-crossed lovers to grow up quickly and die tragically in despair. Mercutio was the loyal, witty, and devoted best friend of Romeo who was neither a Montague or a Capulet which gave an interesting perspective of the young lovers. Mercutio, is the absolute opposite of Romeo, being that he is a quirky skeptic and not at all a die hard romantic that believes love conquers all. With Mercutio being such a skeptic, he mocks love and makes fun of his best friend Romeo when he finds out he has fallen in love with a Capulet; Mercutio states “Romeo, Humors! Madman! Passion! Lover! Appear thou in the likeness of a sigh, speak but one rhyme and I am satisfied.” When Romeo is distressed by his love for Rosaline, he states

He was entertaining and the turning point for the main theme that climaxed the bliss and tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. With Mercutio being such a skeptic, he mocks love and makes fun of his best friend Romeo when he finds out he has fallen in love with a Capulet; Mercutio states “Romeo, Humors! Madman! Passion! Lover! Appear thou in the likeness of a sigh, speak but one rhyme and I am satisfied.” When Romeo is distressed by his love for Rosaline, he states love is rough. Mercutio responds to Romeo, “If love be rough with you, be rough with love. Prick love for pricking, and you beat love down.” The death of Mercutio changes the tone of the story of Romeo and Juliet, while at death’s door, Mercutio states “A plague o’ both your houses. They have made worm’ meat of me. I have it, and soundly, too. Your houses!” Mercutio plays a pivotal role in Romeo and Juliet, he is the driving force behind the play that foretells major events that brought light to the theme of this timeless