ROMEO AND JULIET - ACT III SCENE I

Character Revelation of Mercutio in Act III Scene I of Romeo and Juliet

How Is the character of Mercutio revealed in act 3 scene 1 of Romeo and Juliet?

Mercutio is one of the secondary characters in the tragic play Romeo and Juliet, whose character contributes to development and theme of the play. Mercutio's relationship with Romeo is that of a close friend and confidant. He also is a prince's kinsman. Throughout the play, his character is used as a foil to Romeo's personality of crazed romantic. Through his use of clever and witty banter, he is derisive of Romeo's passionate quality as a lover. However, a deeper personality trait is revealed when he slain during a quarrel.

In Act III, Scene 1 as Benvolio and Mercutio walk the streets of Verona they are confronted with Tybalt, Juliet's first cousin. Mercutio instigates Tybalt with taunting words. As Romeo tries to assuage the situation by resorting to peaceful comprises, this action of Romeo enrages Mercutio and decides to draw out his sword and is eventually killed by Tybalt. During the last moments of his death, he curses both the families.

Mercutio is a character who is not involved in the family feuds, and is the comedic bystander in the drama. His witty remarks and puns through the play, serve as a humorous distraction from the melancholic mood of Romeo. However, these remarks by Mercutio, especially to his friend Romeo have an underlying purpose of staying pragmatic and not to mourn over matters of love and romance as this only brings trouble to the person. Mercutio gets enraged with Romeo when he refuses to give a strong response of defiance in front of the enemy and decides to take on the fight himself. At time of his death is ...