Compare and Contrast the characters of Mercutio and Tybalt.

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Romeo and Juliet

Compare and Contrast the characters of Mercutio and Tybalt.

For this assignment I intend to write and discuss the differences and similarities of two characters portrayed in the play Romeo and Juliet. As well as describing and analysing them I will also show how these characters are presented in two adaptations of films by two different directors Zeffirelli and Lurhmann. These two characters are Mercutio and Tybalt; both characters play an important role as they both affect the outcome of the play and decisions other characters may have to perform.

These two beings have a great grudge against each other which causes death to arise between the two. The main reason for this grudge is that Mercutio is from the Montague’s and Tybalt from the Capulet’s two communities with a bitter rival for one another. As well as Mercutio being from the Montague’s so is Romeo, however unlike Mercutio Romeo wants to resolve this dispute peacefully, so it does not interfere with his love for Juliet, from the Capulet’s. Romeos love for Juliet doesn’t seem to do justice and makes Tybalt’s hatred increase even more.

Mercutio

Mercutio is supposedly 14 we can only presume this as his age is not confirmed. He is seen as one of the main characters in the play along with Romeo, Juliet and Tybalt.  During the play there are many actions and responses which reveal his true identity. One of these phrases is “I will not budge for no mans pleasure” (act 3, scene 1) from this statement we discover Mercutio can be ignorant, stubborn and silly however during another scene he also says “ay, ay a scratch, a scratch marry ‘tis enough” which indicates he can be a joker and humorous. Overall he seems to be loose and “outgoing” but foolish and this weakness later on costs him his life.

His two main companions, Romeo and Benvolio, seem to “back him up” with any problems particularly with his feud for Tybalt. One quotation which Benvolio says to Mercutio is “What, art thou hurt?” this shows he is caring towards him also at the time of Mercutio’s Death Benvolio is willing enough to help him into his house so he can rest peacefully when he returns he also say another kind thing which is “That gallant spirit hath aspired the clouds. Romeo also plays a part by seeking out revenge on Tybalt so much that he actually kills him. Without a doubt if he wasn’t this close to Mercutio he would not of executed this act of violence for him.

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Mercutio’s role is quite impressive with his main scene he could of questionably stole the show. His main part Act 3, Scene 1 sees what he is really like showing his true self saying such comments as “By my heel, I care not” seeing how impolite he can really be even at the time of a fight. He first exchanges words with Tybalt which leads to a fight but it was obvious they both were expecting this and wasted no time in battling it out, however Romeo as well as Benvolio tried to avoid this intense fight by stopping ...

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This essay tries to cover too many points and the result is that too many points are covered too briefly. There needs to be a clear plan for this essay in order to direct the structure of the response and ensure greater coherence. 3 Stars