Essay on Mercutio of William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet

Mercutio of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet Although the story of Romeo and Juliet does not focus on Mercutio, to many, he is one of the most interesting characters in literature. His name puns on the word mercurial which meansunpredictably changeable. His unsteady behavior makes him wise beyond his intentions. Arecurring trend in Shakespeare’s plays is the existence of a witty fool and many foolish wits. People such as Romeo, Friar Laurence, and Capulet are people who are made out to be wise, but,in the end, they make all the wrong decisions. Mercutio serves as a foil to all these characters. He is considered by every character in the play to be a fool, but, in the long run, he is the one whois the wisest. He brings a†¦show more content†¦In Act two, Scene one, after Mercutio realizes Romeo does not want to be found by him, Mercutio mocks Romeo’s feelings for Rosaline. He suggests that Romeo is shallow and that he isin love with Rosaline’s good looks and shapely body. Romeo quickly denies Mercutio’s accusation in the beginning of Act two, Scene 2, â€Å"He jests scars that never felt a wound (II.ii. 1).† Even Friar Laurence realizes Romeo’s shallowness when he hears Romeo has forgotten about Rosaline and is now infatuated with Juliet. Even though Friar Laurence says, â€Å"Wisely and slow. They stumble that run fast (II.iii. 94).†, his curtain of phantasm makes him think he can go againstthis wise judgment. Mercutio is the only character that always stays with his initial judgment. Mercutio believes that sexual satisfaction is the only thing people feel for one another. That love is a man-made front used to justify a sexual relationship. â€Å"Why, is not this better nowthan groaning for love? now art thou sociable, now art thou Romeo; not art thou what thou art,by art as well as by nature: for this drivelling love is like a great natural, that runs lolling up anddown to hide his bauble in a hole (II.iv 82-87).† He describes love as a natural or somethingillegitimate and fake. Then he uses the metaphor of a â€Å"bauble in a hole† to say that all that aperson who claims to be in love really wants is sexual contentment. Once again his words altertheShow MoreRelatedThe Significance of Mercutio in William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet1961 Words   |  8 PagesThe Significance of Mercutio in William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet Romeo and Juliet is about two lovers whose families are at war and how the two overcome the family feud for their love for each other. 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