Mercutio

Question 1

Act 3 Scene 1

“A plague o’both your house.

(Mercutio)

Answer 1

A powerful curse uttered by Mercutio as he is dying, signifying his deep anger and frustration at the senseless feud, essentially blaming both families for his imminent death and wishing a devastating plague upon them.
It serves as a pivotal moment foreshadowing the tragic consequences of the conflict that will ultimately destroy both families.
Ironic.

Question 2

Act 1 Scene 3

“Prick love for pricking, and you beat love down”

(Mercutio)

Answer 2

Shows Mercutio’s harsh and raw perception of love.
Violent verbs “prick” and “pricking” create phallic imagery, which shows the audience how he views love as purely sexual.

Question 3

Act 2 Scene 1

“I conjure thee by Rosaline’s bright eyes…”

(Mercutio)

Answer 3

Listing of body parts reinforces the impression of Mercutio’s sexual and primitve view of love as he again creates sexual imagery through his speech.

Question 4

Act 2 Scene 1

“a poperin pear!”

(Mercutio)

Answer 4

Creates more sexual imagery as this was a fruit that was often at the time compared to a woman’s genitalia.

Question 5

Act 3 Scene 1

“O calm, dishonourable, vile submission!”

(Mercutio)

Answer 5

Emphasises Romeo’s effeminate inability to fight, whilst exaggerating Mercutio’s male aggressive behaviour.