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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.

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