Mercutio Key Quotes (R+J)

Question 1

Mercutio finding dreams and fantasies ridiculous (Act 1, Scene 4)

Answer 1

“True, I talk of dreams,
Which are the children of an idle brain,
Begot of nothing but vain fantasy”
“Dreamers often lie”
Brings audience to question maturity of Romeo’s love

Question 2

Mercutio mocking Romeo’s love for Rosaline (Act 2, Scene 4)

Answer 2

“this driveling love is like a great natural that runs lolling up and down to hide his bauble in a hole. “

sexual connotations implies Romeo’s love is partially due to sexual frustration

Question 3

Mercutio when he is gravely injured (Act 3, Scene 1)

Answer 3

“A plague o’ both your houses.
They have made worms’ meat of me.”
links to fate
Romeo and Benvolio talk about his “soul” and “gallant spirit” (romantic language) while Mercutio is strictly physical, showing he is cynical

Question 4

Mercutio showing his practical attitude towards love (Act 1, Scene 4)

Answer 4

“If love be rough with you, be rough with love”