Act 3 Scene 1 Flashcards
‘Thou art like one of those fellows that when he enters the confines of a tavern claps me his sword
upon the table…indeed there is no need!’
Mercutio appears to chastise Benvolio’s inaction however he inadvertently describes his own approach to
conflict in that he will capitalise on the opportunity to fight another even without logical reason which
foreshadows imminent events.
‘By my heel, I care not.’
Mercutio’s response to Tybalt’s approach appears unusual given his previous want to engage in conflict
which brings attention to his mercurial nature. He chooses to give the impression that he is disinterested in
the advancing member of the Capulet family.
Reference to ‘heel’ as opposed to ‘head’ stands as a mark of disrespect in that Mercutio wishes to make
clear how little Tybalt means to him.
‘And but one word with one of us? couple it with something; make it a word and a blow.’
Despite Mercutio’s demonstration of disinterest in a matter of lines earlier, he proceeds to antagonise Tybalt
as a means to provoke conflict. Again, he appears to be changeable in his approach moving from disinterest
to determined provocation in a matter of lines.
‘here’s my fiddlestick; here’s that shall make you dance.’
Mercutio finally submits to his desire to fight and vows that he will make Tybalt ‘dance’. Reference to
‘fiddlestick’ or bow links to his previous description of Tybalt as nothing but a musician. He perceives him as
a performer rather than a real threat and so Mercutio’s masterful management of language continues
underscore his quick-witted nature.
‘O calm, dishonourable, vile submission!’
Mercutio is outraged by Romeo’s refusal to fight Tybalt – little does he know that Romeo’s hesitation comes
from his relationship with Tybalt’s cousin, Juliet.
The use of ‘calm’, ‘dishonourable’ and ‘vile’ demonstrate the extent of Mercutio’s anger at Romeo’s inaction.
The idea of simply submitting to the enemy would have been perceived by many Renaissance audience
members as shameful and so Mercutio’s response seems in keeping with expectations at the time.
The use of this declarative statement which ends with an exclamation mark makes clear Mercutio’s
frustration with this unfolding situation.
‘I am hurt. A plague o’ both your houses!’
Mercutio begins to recognise the severity of his wound. The use of the noun ‘plague’ demonstrates
Mercutio’s animosity towards both families as he curses the Montagues and Capulets.
Mercutio understands that the feud was ultimately futile only as he nears the end of his own life. Mercutio
has failed to appreciate the sanctity of life in advance of his own death given his relentless pursuit of honour.
No, ‘tis not so deep as a well, nor so wide as a church-door; but ‘tis enough,’twill serve: ask for me to-morrow, and
you shall find me a grave man.
Mercutio appears to dismiss the severity of his injury. His priority seems to be the protection of his
reputation as he fails to initially acknowledge how serious this incident is. Mercutio believes that an injury
has to be exceptionally significant for him to present himself as impacted.
Use of the term ‘grave’ to mean both seriousness but also one’s resting place reflects Mercutio’s masterful
and quick witted management of words, even in his last moments.
Why the devil came you between us? I was hurt under your arm.
Mercutio places blame on Romeo who stood between himself and Tybalt. He is quick to change tact and
accuse his friend of his involvement, which demonstrates a change in their relationship.
Such a differing approach may also bring attention to the link between the name Mercutio and the adjective
‘mercurial’ meaning constantly changing.
‘A plague o’ both your houses!’
The repetition of this sentiment seeks to further emphasise Mercutio’s realisation of the senselessness of this feud.
• He no longer aligns himself with the Montagues and instead curses both families for their part in the very events that have caused him such harm.
‘Brave Mercutio is dead.’
’Benvolio re-enters to confirm Mercutio’s death. The adjectival choice of ‘brave’ is indicative of Renaissance opinion as men who entered into conflict were often seen as heroic and admirable.
• Mercutio appears to subvert this idea given his realisation of the futility of conflict and his repeated call for a curse to befall both the Montagues and Capulets.
