Mercutio's Part in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

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Mercutio's Part in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet, one of the most outstanding stage plays in the

world, was produced by William Shakespeare in around 1595. It is one

of the greatest tragedies ever produced as it explores and expresses

the sensations of love and has the most memorable storylines of all

time. One of the most entertaining characters Shakespeare has created

throughout his career without a doubt is Mercutio, who is the kinsman

to prince Escales and could be argued to be the most significant

character in the play. The following argument will bring about the

essay that I am writing.

Mercutio, though he is one of the most influential characters of Romeo

and Juliet, still plays the 'second fiddle' to Romeo and maybe even

Juliet (as it might be suggested by the title). However his

intelligence, wit and charisma have a huge part to play in the outcome

of the play. This means that it could be argued that Mercutio is as

important as he thinks he is.

Mercutio is perhaps the most cynical and poised characters in the

history of stage plays. His insolence and irresponsible bawdiness make

him a brilliantly effective figure on stage. Love to him is to be

treated roughly and his outrageous comments and gestures to the other

characters are wittily exaggerated, bringing great entertainment and

comedy moments to the play. Mercutio's main role in the play is to

enhance the purity of Romeo's love by contrast. He acts as Romeo's

conscience when he urges him in to the ball. Moreover the figurative

'Queen Mab' speech, where the almost mystical and enchanting midwife

ends up as an incubus, shows how Mercutio us...

... middle of paper ...

...nd comedy makes his character vital to the

play and to keep the audience entertained.

Mercutio has an essential part to play in the whole play despite the

fact that Romeo and Juliet are the main characters. It is he who

unites them both and his relationship with Romeo is vital to the play.

Overall it is Mercutio's characteristics, language, themes that he

adds and appeal to the audience which makes him such an interesting

character to watch. When Mercutio feels a false sense of honour, it

will ironically contribute to the death of his friend. Merutio had

seemed to turn the play into a comedy at times: but some can say that

it is with his death that we know the play to be a tragedy. He is one

of the greatest characters that Shakespeare has ever created and his

character is essential to the whole play Romeo and Juliet.

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