Even though Mercutio and Tybalt are present in only the first three acts of Romeo and Juliet, they are crucial to the play. Tybalt appears twice in Act I, solidifying the feud between the Capulets and Montagues as the first quarrel erupts, and proving his loyalty to the Capulets house during the first dual and at the masquerade party. He enters again in the first scene of Act III that results’ in changing the play’s direction from the comedic beginning. Mercutio’s relationship to the play is critical although, he has no blood ties to either of the feuding parties: he provides the comic relief that starts all the laughter in Act I. Mercutio’s loyal friendship with Romeo provokes him to protect and defend Romeo ultimately leading to his demise.
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Two such themes are the sense of loyalties and fast actions without much thought. One scene is when Tybalt engages in the first dual. Tybalt appears just as Benvolio has drawn his sword to part the fighters in the street. Tybalt’s quick temper and hatred for his family enemy has him draw his sword as he states, “What, drawn and talk of peace? I hate the word [as] I hate hell, all Montagues and thee” (I.i..68-68). Tybalt’s devotion to the feud and honor to protect the Capulet’s name is evident when he speaks with Benvolio, whom does not seem to want to fight. Tybalt’s cocky attitude, short fuse, and duty to the Capulets ensure combat ensues. Tybalt’s opposition and self-righteousness provoked the group to fight. The townsfolks joining in the conflict warranted that the prince set down some harsh rules including death to any that fought in the streets going …show more content…
Mercutio’s character is described as, “the most notorious scene stealer in all of Shakespeare, and there is tradition (reported by Dryden) that Shakespeare declared he was obligated to kill off Mercutio, lest Mercutio kill Shakespeare and hence the play,” (Bloom,93). Mercutio’s character is exuberant and playful as he tries to persuade Romeo’s attendance at the masquerade ball. Romeo is a serious romantic whereas Mercutio plays off his seriousness with jokes about sex. Mercutio’s swaggering attitude about love and sex becomes quite comical as he teases Romeo saying, “If love be rough with you, be rough with love; Prick love for pricking and you beat love down” (I.iv.27-28). He is working against his serious friend to lighten the mood and head to the party. As the solemn Romeo mentions his dream of foreshadowing doom, Mercutio jumps in with his diatribe of “Queen Mab” (I.iv.53). Again, Mercutio is ranting and raving about a fantasy dream or nightmare that has sexual insinuations. Mercutio’s insatiable appetite for showmanship provokes Romeo to interrupt him in order to get him to shut up. For best friends, Romeo and Mercutio are somewhat opposites as Romeo believes in love and Mercutio has contrary moral standards. Had the action stopped after the death of Mercutio, and Tybalt blamed then Tybalt would have been condemned, which may have ended further violence.
Two such themes are the sense of loyalties and fast actions without much thought. One scene is when Tybalt engages in the first dual. Tybalt appears just as Benvolio has drawn his sword to part the fighters in the street. Tybalt’s quick temper and hatred for his family enemy has him draw his sword as he states, “What, drawn and talk of peace? I hate the word [as] I hate hell, all Montagues and thee” (I.i..68-68). Tybalt’s devotion to the feud and honor to protect the Capulet’s name is evident when he speaks with Benvolio, whom does not seem to want to fight. Tybalt’s cocky attitude, short fuse, and duty to the Capulets ensure combat ensues. Tybalt’s opposition and self-righteousness provoked the group to fight. The townsfolks joining in the conflict warranted that the prince set down some harsh rules including death to any that fought in the streets going …show more content…
Mercutio’s character is described as, “the most notorious scene stealer in all of Shakespeare, and there is tradition (reported by Dryden) that Shakespeare declared he was obligated to kill off Mercutio, lest Mercutio kill Shakespeare and hence the play,” (Bloom,93). Mercutio’s character is exuberant and playful as he tries to persuade Romeo’s attendance at the masquerade ball. Romeo is a serious romantic whereas Mercutio plays off his seriousness with jokes about sex. Mercutio’s swaggering attitude about love and sex becomes quite comical as he teases Romeo saying, “If love be rough with you, be rough with love; Prick love for pricking and you beat love down” (I.iv.27-28). He is working against his serious friend to lighten the mood and head to the party. As the solemn Romeo mentions his dream of foreshadowing doom, Mercutio jumps in with his diatribe of “Queen Mab” (I.iv.53). Again, Mercutio is ranting and raving about a fantasy dream or nightmare that has sexual insinuations. Mercutio’s insatiable appetite for showmanship provokes Romeo to interrupt him in order to get him to shut up. For best friends, Romeo and Mercutio are somewhat opposites as Romeo believes in love and Mercutio has contrary moral standards. Had the action stopped after the death of Mercutio, and Tybalt blamed then Tybalt would have been condemned, which may have ended further violence.