How does the character of Mercutio develop in this scene? How would you direct this scene to convey this to an audience?

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Oliver Maule

11H Set 1

English Coursework

Romeo and Juliet

Act 3 Scene 1

How does the character of Mercutio develop in this scene? How would you direct this scene to convey this to an audience?

In Act 3 Scene 1 Mercutio picks a fight with Tybalt, who wants to fight Romeo instead. Romeo tries to prevent the fight but Mercutio is killed. Romeo then kills Tybalt in anger, and then escapes. Prince Escalus banishes Romeo from Verona.

This scene is significant as it marks the final appearance of Mercutio. It is the point of overturn which sets the division between the two houses. It is appropriate at this point that that it should start with references to heat and passion. This gives us a strong sense of rivalry which makes us want to know what happens next.

After the death of Mercutio, our attention is concentrated only on Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare usually has another plot to continue after the closing of a chapter. Romeo and Juliet has no subplot and the simple and clear storyline which results gives the play a relentless feeling.

The character of Mercutio develops individually throughout the play. His role as Romeo’s friend could have been played by a less striking person. Although his death is a major part to the play, the same effect could have been achieved by simply killing Tybalt. Mercutio’s character can is very strong, he has wit, bawdy language, cynicism and mostly of all his devotion and loyalty to his friend, Romeo makes him a very complex character.

Mercutio can be interpreted very differently but still have a very strong and good effect on the play. Mercutio can be a stylish, lively personality, friendly character or can be foul mouthed who is taken over by a dislike for other people and himself.

In the film versions of the play, Mercutio is conveyed very differently in Zeferelli’s than Luhrmann’s. In Zeferelli’s version Mercutio is shown as a simple character that is fun, friendly and could be a good laugh, he is shown as a person who is very good to the people he likes but awful to the people he dislikes. He takes is very serious about the ‘enemy’.  In Luhrmann’s interpretation of the play Mercutio is conveyed as a very loud and lively person with strong emotions both ways. His clothes show a lot about his character which in Luhrmann’s his brightly coloured clothes and velvety material. Mercutio jumps around a lot and when he gives an opinion it is very emotive with a strong ‘Yes or No’ answer.

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In the scene Mercutio shows no sign of caution, the main part of his character development starts here in this scene. Benvolio is advising Mercutio to be careful. Not taking this advice is showing that Mercutio does not care what happens he has his strong views of Tybalt and will do what needs to be done, but first stands up to them insulting them with a carefree attitude.

‘Couple it with something; make it a word and a blow’

In this quotation Mercutio is using fighting talk and shows that he is not scared. This leads into ...

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