Character Analysis Mercutio

701 Words2 Pages

Mercutio character & quote analysis
By: Johnson Tran
Section 1: Character description (Mercutio)
During the story “Romeo and Juliet”, written by William Shakespeare, the character, Mercutio, plays a role that impacts the story completely. Mercutio is a very good friend of Romeo’s and Benvolio’s. Mercutio has many characteristics which William Shakespeare defines and delivers a deeper understanding as the story continues. Mercutio is a kinsman therefore he is neither a Capulet nor Montague. In Romeo and Juliet, Mercutio makes up a lot of the funny atmosphere which makes the story more engaging. Mercutio makes many jokes and because of these jokes his outgoing and amusing personality begins to show. Mercutio is a tall man with blonde hair. He is decent at sword fighting and when he talks he tends to use hand gestures which send a stronger message when he talks. As Romeo’s best friend, Mercutio remains loyal to him throughout the story and is also benevolent as he even fought Tybalt in Romeo’s name. Mercutio is a reckless person. When his mind is set on something he will complete it and no one can stop him from completing it. During the scene when Mercutio expresses his outrage towards Tybalt, Romeo intervenes the fight and tries to stop it, Mercutio continues to fight and in the end Mercutio meets his end. Even after Mercutio is stabbed he insisted that it was”a scratch, a scratch” (Act III, Scene I, Line 89) this shows how tough he is. It was foolish of him but he wanted to show how tough he was to Romeo. Mercutio is also very supportive. He has a kind side which he only shows to Romeo. When Romeo was heartbroken because of Rosaline Mercutio encouraged Romeo by telling him “gentle Romeo, we must have you dance.” (Act I, Scene IV,...

... middle of paper ...

...s Benvolio his thoughts on Rosaline which shows how he cares about Romeo as much as himself or even more.
Quote: “No hare, sir, unless a hare, sir, in a Lenten pie, that is something stale and hoar ere it be spent.” (Act II, Scene IV, Line 119-120)
Modern day language: “You are like a hare that is useless unless it is in a pie that doesn’t have meat which is something stale and moldy.”
This quote is said from Mercutio to Juliet’s nurse. Mercutio is shown to have a sharp tongue because of this quote. This gives a deeper insight on Mercutio’s character because it shows how he likes to joke. This joke is also said towards Juliet nurse which is Capulet. Even though Mercutio isn’t a Montague he will be loyal to the Montague and be against the Capulet.
Reference (APA format)
Shakespeare, W., & Levenson, J. L. (2000). Romeo and Juliet. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Open Document