The Charactor of Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet

Mercutio’s word play is a common feature of his speech, in Act 1 scene 4 Mercutio is trying to entice Romeo out of his lovesick state. He implores him to join them at a dance, when Romeo refuses saying he is to unhappy, he can not dance Mercutio says scathingly “you are a lover, borrow cupids wings and soar with them” (1.4.18-19). Meaning that being in love seemed to be apart of Romeos character, so maybe he should embrace it, not shy away from it. It is Mercutio’s quick wit that makes him a favourite with audiences, even when mortally wounded by Tybalt, and feeling death approaching, his sense of humour does not leave

him “look for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a grave man” (3.1.95-97). Punning the word grave to mean both serious (ie tomorrow he will give up his witty games as he will be gone) and also his grave, as he has been wounded and is going to die. Mercutio’s lightning wit and skilful word play add interest and comic relief for the audience, even when dying his first thought is to entertain. While outside the main line of progress in the play Mercutio was still in his own right an important character of the play.

The observations made by Mercutio are perceptive and honest, contrary to the other characters, who lie, deceive and regret, Mercutio is open and genuine with everyone he meets. When Romeo comes to him moping about Rosaline, the girl he loves but does not return his affections, Mercutio advises “…sink in it, should you burden love – too great oppression for a tender thing” (1.4.23-25). Meaning that if love is such a burden for him (Ro

Some topics in this essay:
William Shakespeare’s, Montagues Capulets, Romeo Mercutio’s, Montague Mercutio, Juliet Paris, Prince Verona, Tybalt Mercutio, , word play, fast paced, romeos character, “romeo juliet”, violent death, play mercutio, meaning love, william shakespeare’s,