In the play Romeo and Juliet, written by William Shakespeare, the theme of simultaneous perspectives is true throughout the play's entirety. However, Act 3, scene 1 shows the dramatic changes that take place, due to the multiplicity of points of view, which ultimately shape the conclusion of the play.
In this particular act, we are viewing the experience through the eyes of four central characters. First, Benvolio, a well wisher, a combatant, a friend. Not only to Romeo, but the entire Montague family. Benvolio is aware of the consequences they shall face from quarreling in the streets of Verona. Benvolio tries everything to convince his friend, Mercutio to leave before Tybalt, or any other Capulet shall find them. Benvolio wants nothing more than to escape a brawl. He knows first hand what the heat will do to young men and their youthful blood. He makes reference to the day being hot, it is summer in Verona, "For now, these hot days, is the mad blood stirring" (3.1.4). Benvolio warns Mercutio when he spots the Capulets approaching, "By my head, here comes the Capulets" (3.1.31). To Benvolio's dismay, Mercutio responds on line 32 with "By my heel, I care not." At this point, Benvolio realizes that Mercutio will not listen, he is looking for a fight, and that is exactly what he will get. Benvolio, realizing this, tries to convince Mercutio and Tybalt to move out of the streets, and onto a place where they will not be seen by all. "We talk here in the public haunt of men Here all eyes gaze on us" (3.1.45). It almost seems as though Benvolio knows how this scene will play out. It is his friends he is ultimately concerned about, Mercutio, and Romeo. In the end, the level headedness of Benvolio cannot save the lives of Mercutio, nor Romeo.
Mercutio is perhaps the smartest character in the play. This is exactly why he must die in order to prevent him from ruining the ending of the play.
