The Memorable Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet

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The Memorable Mercutio
Shakespeare created many incredible plays during his lifetime: tragedies, comedies and histories. One of Shakespeare's most famous plays is the tragedy Romeo and Juliet. Furthermore, one of his greatest creations, as well as most memorable character, lies within the pages of this tale. Although he died early on, Mercutio spent his time entertaining the audience with every act and word. Throughout Romeo and Juliet, Mercutio displays notable acts of witty humor, loyalty and devotion to Romeo, as well as hot-headed rash behavior, which stick with the reader, even after his death.
Whether it is crude humor or a witty remark, Mercutio amuses readers over the course of the play. Towards the beginning of the play, Benvolio and Mercutio are taking Romeo with them to a Capulet party. While trying to cheer Romeo up about his one sided love, Mercutio tells him that, “If love be rough with you, be rough with love; Prick love for pricking, and you beat love down“ (1.4 26-28). At first glance, this could be seen simply Mercutio trying to motivate his friend, saying that Romeo should not give in to love. However, the word choice as well as phrasing of these lines is more suggestive.

Later on into the night, while Benvolio and Mercutio look for Romeo, some rather innocent humor is added in, by Mercutio. Instead of simply calling out Romeo’s name, like Benvolio does, Mercutio proceeds to say,”Romeo! Humours! Madman! Passion! Lover!” (2.1 7). Mercutio’s friendly teasing captures Romeo’s personality thus far in the play, making it more enjoyable to read. A few days later, after receiving a deadly blow from Tybalt, he assures his clueless friends that his wound is “… not so deep as a well, nor so wide as a church-door; bu...

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...hereafter, drybeat the rest of the eight. Will you pluck your sword out of his pitcher by the ears? Make haste, lest mine be about your ears ere it be out” (3.1 73-77). Not only does Mercutio want to fight, but he will even resort to making fun of Tybalt’s name, because it sounds like Tibbles, which was a popular name for a cat. Sadly, Mercutio’s hot tempered personality and arrogance led to his unfortunate demise.
Mercutio’s unique personality, consisting of unspeakable amounts of humor, everlasting devotion to Romeo, and his explosive attitude, make him a scene stealer and one of the most memorable characters in all of Shakespeare’s works. Some say Shakespeare was forced to kill Mercutio "lest he steal the show from the major figures of the plot". However, for as long as Shakespeare’s plays are still read, Mercutio’s character will live on in any reader’s mind.

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