Mercutio In Romeo And Juliet

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Mercutio, a character introduced in Act I, Scene IV, plays a key role in triggering the relationship between the titular characters. Almost immediately following his introduction, Mercutio appears to be a very carefree character, constantly persuading other people, like the hesitant Romeo to set aside their troubles and doubts. In this manner, he almost serves as a foil character to Romeo, highlighting his level of depression in contrast to Mercutio’s happiness. When compared to a character like Mercutio, Romeo seems all the more sad as a result of his unrequited love for Rosaline. This despair is a leading cause in Benvolio’s encouragement for Romeo to meet another woman- letting Rosaline go in the process- and encounter Juliet at the party. In addition to projecting a nonchalant …show more content…
/ If thou art dun, we’ll draw thee from the mire, / or- save your reverence- love, wherein thou stick’st / up to the ears,” Mercutio responds. “Come, we burn daylight, ho!” (Act I, Scene IV, Line XLI). Because of this encouragement, Romeo eventually agrees and attends the party, where he encounters Juliet; Had he not been convinced by Mercutio, the events of the rest of the play may not have taken place. Although Mercutio’s positive attitude can contrast with Romeo’s lack of one, he also delivers a subtle warning to both Romeo and the audience about the truth of what we perceive as a dream. When Romeo mentions a dream that he had, Mercutio scoffs and delivers a lengthy monologue about the story of “Queen Mab,” an imaginary being that causes the sleeper to have a dream about their greatest desire, Although the dreams may have a pleasing effect, the prey often wake up and realize that their greatest desire may not be as wonderful as they had first imagined. This cautionary tale can easily be transferred to the lovestruck Romeo, who blindly loves Rosaline. Mercutio’s story started out with detail, but at the end, a hidden meaning becomes