In William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet,
each character plays a specific role in driving the action forward and
shaping the play's theme. One secondary character, Mercutio, is essential
to the play. Mercutio is the Prince's kinsman, but more importantly,
he is Romeo's friend and confidant.
Mercutio's concern is always for Romeo and
for peace between the two families, the Capulets and the Montagues.
Mercutio is the first to see that Romeo is deeply in love. In Act
2, scene 1, Mercutio calls for Romeo by saying, "Romeo! Humors! Madman!
Passion! Lover!" He then says, "my invocation is fair and honest,
in his mistress' name…." Mercutio shows his concern and expresses
it to Romeo. He does not want Romeo to marry Juliet because he knows
it will cause trouble between the two families.
Mercutio tries to convince Romeo that his
love will only cause problems and in the end, things will not work out.
Romeo dismisses Mercutio as, "A gentleman, that loves to hear himself talk
and will speak more in a minute than he will stand to in a month."
Romeo does not heed the warnings of his good friend. Love has already
overcome him and controls all of his thoughts and actions. This love
prevents Mercutio from saving Romeo and keeping peace between the families.
In Act 3, scene 1, Mercutio fights Tybalt
on behalf of Romeo and his relationship with Romeo. Romeo attempts
to break up the fight, but Tybalt stabs Mercutio. As he is dying,
Mercutio says, "A plague o' both your houses! I am sped…."
He repeats this phrase twice more before he dies. It is after Mercutio's
death that Romeo realizes what will happen. This leads Romeo to kill
Tybalt, which in turn, leads to his exile and eventual death. Romeo
says in line 135 of the same scene, "O, I am fortune's fool." Mercutio
was correct in his predictions. The love between Romeo and Juliet
ends up a tragedy for both families.
Mercutio's efforts were no match for love.
His character is essential for this play in many ways. He foreshadows
the devastating events, serves as Romeo's friend, and gives the audience
important information throughout the play. Mercutio's death is the
turning point in the play. For all of these reasons, Mercutio is
essential to the play.
Romeo Tybalt Back Home