Skip to main content

What are some similarities and differences between Romeo and Mercutio?

Romeo and Mercutio seem to be more different than they are similar, but they do have a few similarities. Both men enjoy wordplay and witty repartee, can be rather immature when they are together, and show bad judgment at some point in the play.


The discussion between Romeo and Mercutio in Act I, Scene 4, is so clever; they discuss the nature of love using puns. Mercutio also tries to convince Romeo that he should...

Romeo and Mercutio seem to be more different than they are similar, but they do have a few similarities. Both men enjoy wordplay and witty repartee, can be rather immature when they are together, and show bad judgment at some point in the play.


The discussion between Romeo and Mercutio in Act I, Scene 4, is so clever; they discuss the nature of love using puns. Mercutio also tries to convince Romeo that he should attend the Capulets' party that night, even though Romeo is depressed about Rosaline. Mercutio has a tendency to wax philosophic more than Romeo does, however, and he becomes quite poetic when the mood strikes him.


The behavior of Romeo and Mercutio when Juliet's nurse approaches them in Act II, Scene 4, is likewise somewhat immature. Romeo remarks on the Nurse's attractiveness, prompting Mercutio to insult her and make lewd jokes. Mercutio is a great deal more immature and insulting than Romeo is; he really says some terribly inappropriate things to a woman, and an older woman at that. Romeo is certainly immature here as well, but Mercutio is far worse.


Mercutio shows his poor judgment when he insists on fighting Tybalt because Romeo will not. It is not Mercutio's fight, and the only reason Mercutio involves himself is because he feels Romeo is acting submissively. Romeo then shows poor judgment when he immediately turns around and slays Tybalt. Initially, Romeo tried to exercise good judgment while Tybalt insulted him. Romeo manages to respond calmly and patiently until Tybalt slays Mercutio. All of Romeo's patience and forethought disappears when he becomes emotional.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What are some external and internal conflicts that Montag has in Fahrenheit 451?

 Montag, the protagonist of Fahrenheit 451, faces both external and internal conflicts throughout the novel. Some examples of these conflicts are: External Conflicts: Conflict with the society: Montag lives in a society that prohibits books and critical thinking. He faces opposition from the government and the people who enforce this law. Montag struggles to come to terms with the fact that his society is based on censorship and control. Conflict with his wife: Montag's wife, Mildred, is completely absorbed in the shallow and meaningless entertainment provided by the government. Montag's growing dissatisfaction with his marriage adds to his external conflict. Conflict with the fire captain: Montag's superior, Captain Beatty, is the personification of the oppressive regime that Montag is fighting against. Montag's struggle against Beatty represents his external conflict with the government. Internal Conflicts: Conflict with his own beliefs: Montag, at the beginning of th...
Post a Comment
Read more

In A People's History of the United States, why does Howard Zinn feel that Wilson made a flimsy argument for entering World War I?

"War is the health of the state," the radical writer Randolph Bourne said, in the midst of the First World War. Indeed, as the nations of Europe went to war in 1914, the governments flourished, patriotism bloomed, class struggle was stilled, and young men died in frightful numbers on the battlefields-often for a hundred yards of land, a line of trenches. -- Chapter 14, Page 350, A People's History of the United States Howard Zinn outlines his arguments for why World War I was fought in the opening paragraph of Chapter 14 (referenced above). The nationalism that was created by the Great War benefited the elite political and financial leadership of the various countries involved. Socialism, which was gaining momentum in Europe, as was class struggle, took a backseat to mobilizing for war. Zinn believes that World War I was fought for the gain of the industrial capitalists of Europe in a competition for capital and resources. He states that humanity itself was punished by t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Where did Atticus take the light and extension cord in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Atticus brings the light to the courthouse jail so that he can protect Tom Robinson.  Atticus learns that Tom Robinson, his client, is in danger.  A group of white men want to prevent the trial and lynch Robinson. He is warned by a small group of men that appear at his house.  He refuses to back down.  Atticus knows that the Cunninghams will target his client, so he plans to sit up all night with... Atticus brings the light to the courthouse jail so that he can protect Tom Robinson.  Atticus learns that Tom Robinson, his client, is in danger.  A group of white men want to prevent the trial and lynch Robinson. He is warned by a small group of men that appear at his house.  He refuses to back down.  Atticus knows that the Cunninghams will target his client, so he plans to sit up all night with Jim if that’s what it takes to protect him.  Atticus tells the men that he will make sure his client gets his fair shake at the law.  “Link, that boy might go to the chair, but he’s not going till ...
Post a Comment
Read more