Mercutio

Question 1

thesis

Answer 1

Shakespeare presents Mercutio as a comedic yet tragic figure whose death marks the turning point of the play, criticising the destructive consequences of impulsive honour culture and showing how violence corrupts even the innocent.

Question 2

essay plan

Answer 2

At the start of the play, Shakespeare presents Mercutio as a witty and skeptical character, using humour to critique the excesses of love and male bravado.

As the play continues, Shakespeare uses Mercutio’s crude humour and the Queen Mab speech to reveal his emotional repression and inner conflict, ultimately criticising the damaging effects of toxic masculinity and the ridicule of male vulnerability.

Towards the end of the play, Shakespeare uses Mercutio’s death to show how quickly violence spreads, ultimately infiltrating every aspect of society. In doing so, he warns his audience of the destructive consequences of violent behaviour.

Question 3

quote 1 and 2

Answer 3

You are a lover. Borrow Cupid’s wings

If love be rough with you, be rough with love!

Question 4

quote 3 and 4

Answer 4

Prick love for pricking

o, then I see Queen Mab hath been with you

Question 5

quote 5 and 6

Answer 5

thou talk’st of nothing…true I talk of dreams

the bawdy hand of the dial is now upon the prick of noon

Question 6

quote 7 and 8

Answer 6

make it a word and a blow

o calm, dishonourable, vile submission

Question 7

quote 9

Answer 7

a plague o’ both your houses