Mercutio's Involvement In The Deaths Of Romeo And Juliet

Milo Tom

Ms. Rechin

English 1 Honors

24 May 2023

Indirect Murder: Mercutio’s Involvement in the Deaths of Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet is a distinguished play that follows the lives of Romeo and Juliet at a time of their lives when they have fallen in love, creating a contrast between their relationship and their relationships with their families. The love between the two is the main conflict in the story, as their families loathe each other beyond just slight distaste, causing separation and a type of clandestine relationship necessary between the two to be able to stay lovers. The play ends with both dead in the same room, side to side due to miscommunication and poor execution of actions. Through the factors of association with Romeo, temperament, and prejudice, Mercutio is undeniably at fault for the tragic deaths of Romeo and Juliet and

Romeo's close friendship with Mercutio is a significant aspect of Shakespeare's play, Romeo and Juliet. Their bond serves as a contrasting relationship to Romeo's romantic connection with Juliet and adds depth to the story. Their friendship is characterized by their shared sense of humor, wit, and camaraderie. One of the most memorable scenes showcasing their friendship is the Queen Mab speech in Act I, Scene 4. Mercutio delivers a whimsical monologue about a fairy queen in this scene, saying “O, then I see Queen Mab hath been with you; She is the fairies' midwife, and she comes in shape no bigger than an agate-stone” to start off the story while Romeo tries to dispel his fantasies (Shakespeare 1.4.51-53). It demonstrates their deep bond and the comfortable affinity they share, with Romeo eventually joining in on Mercutio's wordplay and jesting. In Act I, Scene II, Romeo can be seen as obsessed with Rosaline, and when she rejects him, he turns melancholic. Later on, In