Mercutio analysis

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

• contrasts the views of many other characters
• provide a realistic yet harsh view of love to his audience as his opinions harshly juxtapose the potent, tender love that Romeo and Juliet share.
• his view of love is that it isn’t controlled by fate but rather by sexual impulsion

Question 2

Family Honour

Answer 2

• Mercutio disregards the idea of ‘family honour’ as
  he blames the feud between both families for his tragic death
• his death could be to reveal to Shakespeare’s audience the possible dangers of allowing family honour to consume an individual.
• he shows that an obsession with family honour can tragically lead to impulsive murder.

Question 3

Courtly love

Answer 3

• well known for his explicit speeches about sexual desire and his emotionless views of love
• he completely contradicts the Elizabethan idea of courtly love, which was meant to be true, pure and full of restrain
• he completely contradicts the Elizabethan idea of courtly love, which was meant to be true, pure and full of restrain

Question 4

Religion

Answer 4

• central to Elizabethan life
• Mercutio’s sexual views on love contradict Catholic and Protestant religious teachings.
• his explicit views almost come across as blasphemous.

Question 5

Violence

Answer 5

• presented as violent as he exerts an aggressive tone throughout most of his speeches- speaks about love roughly, his explicit views almost come across as blasphemous.
• through Mercutio’s aggressive view of love and act of physical violence against Tybalt the audience are reminded Romeo and Juliet is set in an era that was dominated by males, and thus the plot was destined to be plagued by male aggressive behaviour due to their fixation with pride, respect and status.

Question 6

rs to romeo

Answer 6

• share a strong bond
• it is the breaking of this bond that acts as a catalyst for Romeo’s violent behaviour.

Question 7

rs to tybalt

Answer 7

• brief but chaotic relationship
• the main encounter is in Act 3 Scene 1 where Mercutio and Tybalt sword fight, leading to Mercutio’s death.
• Shakespeare reveals how tragically futile this family feud is as it leads to the death of not only Mercutio, but the feud causes multiple deaths throughout the whole play which is why Mercutio curses both families before he falls to his demise.