The play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare is a story of great tragedy but often overlooked is the tragedy of the first character in the play to die. The character Mercutio is not a minor character with only a few lines, but is in fact a central influencer of how the play unfolds. Although Mercutio is killed early on in the play, his actions and death set in motion the events that lead to the title characters’ eventual deaths. Since he is neutral to both the Capulet and Montague families, Mercutio is the catalyst for Romeo and Juliet to meet each other. Finally, as one of Romeo’s closest friends and one who knows of Romeo’s relationship with Juliet, he encourages the relationship to grow despite the opposition of both families. By examining the role that Mercutio has in this
…show more content…
When Tybalt, who is a member of the Capulet family, threatens Romeo, a Montague, Mercutio intervenes on behalf of his friend. In the resulting fight, Tybalt kills Mercutio, leading Romeo to seek revenge:
“that late thou gavest me, for Mercutio’s soul is but a little way above our heads, staying for thine to keep him company:
Either thou, or I, or both, must go with him.” (III.I.21-24)
After Romeo avenges Mercutio’s death, the realization of what will happen to him if he is caught by the authorites leads Romeo to flee.
“MONTAGUE: His fault concludes but what the law should end, the life of Tybalt.
PRINCE: And for that offence
Immediately we do exile him hence” (III.I.181-184) Romeo’s leaving saddens and confuses Juliet. Faced with marrying someone else of her parent’s choosing, Juliet feels she must fake her own death. As the tragedy concludes, Romeo returns and kills himself in sorrow at believing Juliet is actually dead, and she follows him in death thereafter. Mercutio’s death may play a role in Romeo and Juliet’s death, but he certainly plays a key role in them being
When Tybalt, who is a member of the Capulet family, threatens Romeo, a Montague, Mercutio intervenes on behalf of his friend. In the resulting fight, Tybalt kills Mercutio, leading Romeo to seek revenge:
“that late thou gavest me, for Mercutio’s soul is but a little way above our heads, staying for thine to keep him company:
Either thou, or I, or both, must go with him.” (III.I.21-24)
After Romeo avenges Mercutio’s death, the realization of what will happen to him if he is caught by the authorites leads Romeo to flee.
“MONTAGUE: His fault concludes but what the law should end, the life of Tybalt.
PRINCE: And for that offence
Immediately we do exile him hence” (III.I.181-184) Romeo’s leaving saddens and confuses Juliet. Faced with marrying someone else of her parent’s choosing, Juliet feels she must fake her own death. As the tragedy concludes, Romeo returns and kills himself in sorrow at believing Juliet is actually dead, and she follows him in death thereafter. Mercutio’s death may play a role in Romeo and Juliet’s death, but he certainly plays a key role in them being