Mercutio Flashcards
How is he presented?
To place focus on the detrimental effects of toxic masculinity. The name Mercutio derives from the term ‘mercurial’ – an adjective which captures a sudden or unpredictable change of mood or mind. This can be applied to Mercutio as his character appears to fluctuate and change in accordance to the circumstances he finds himself in. He is often portrayed as volatile and somewhat aggressive throughout the play as he seeks to preserve his pride and reputation.
How is this done?
Mercutio views love as entirely physical and overlooks the opportunity for any depth of emotion, instead choosing to describe love in highly sexualised and often derogatory terms.
Why does Shakespeare choose to present him in this way?
As a means to condemn the behaviours associated with toxic masculinity in an attempt to encourage his audience to appreciate love in his most purest sense.
In the opening of the play…
“If love be rough with you, be rough with love”
“Prick love for pricking”
“Quivering thigh”
“And, to sink in it, should you burden love; Too great oppression for a tender thing”
As the play progresses…
”drivelling love”
“stabbed with a white wench’s black eye; shot through the ear with a love-song”
“Follow this jest now till thou hast worm out thy pump”
“Making them women of good carriage” (Mab speech)
Towards the end of Mercutio’s life…
“fiddlestick”
“dishonourable, vile submission”
“a scratch, a scratch” (trivialises fatal wounds)
