The contrast in secrecy and humour, between the scenes is made more prominent by Mercutio’s quote, “thou wilt quarrel with a man for cracking nut!”, this referrers to the nature of Benvolio, as Mercutio jokes and suggests pointless reasons for fighting, this also reveals his personality. For example the quote shows his light hearted approach to life and situations. It also shows a great deal about Benvoilios apparent attitude to others, and how he is perceived by those around him. For example Mercutio; whether this is true or not is irrelevant as it reflects others views of him.
Also an aspect of colour is used to symbolise the mood of the scene, for example Act 3 Scene 1 uses light pleasant colours to show the humours mood of the text. Whereas in the later part of the Scene the colours are portrayed as dark, deep colours to suggest the wrong doing that take place. These later “dark” parts of the scene are wrote in verse to make the text easier to absorb and comprehend. Also it shows the seriousness of the language. This contrast in colours emphases the difference between humour and death. The colours used help convey the mood of the Scene to the audience.
Another example of dramatic irony occurs unexpectedly as it is directly after a humorous prose: “the fee-simple?”, Mercutio predicting the future is ironic as he soon after is killed by Tybalt, thus rendering this prediction pointless.
Mercutio says, “I care not”, when he is informed of the Capulets approaching. This defiant nature gives Mercutio and edge of uncertainty and unpredictability.
This unpredictability becomes evident when Mercutio becomes increasingly aggressive towards Tybalt. His hatred for Tybalt leads him to request a fight. For example, “…couple it with something, make it a word or a blow.” This request for a reason that would justify fighting doesn’t go unanswered, but it is clear that Tybalt has only one set aim. This is to fight Romeo. This is evident as he says, “…here comes my man,” referring to Romeo as his enemy, and his target of conflict.
Romeo refuses to fight as he feels he cannot due to his new marriage to Juliet . Romeo shows he is compassionate, and loving in this quote, “…good Capulet, which name I tender as dearly as mine.” This shows Romeo’s pacifistic attitude, the audience are now drawn to Romeo as he appears true and noble, yet this opinion may be changed when he kills Tybalt, yet he acted out of anger.
Shakespeare also uses the semantic field of music to suggest that Mercutio creates tension between himself and Tybalt to provoke a fight, he does this with the use of puns, “… and thou make minstrels…fiddlestick…dance.” This shows Mercutio’s hatred for Tybalt and his intentions.
Tybalt also makes numerous insults towards Romeo to rile him into a fight, “…thou art a villain”. This shows that Tybalt is a very violence motivated person, who thrives on blood and conflict. Yet Romeo refuses to fight.
Romeos peaceful response to Tybalts offer of a fight, instills different attitudes and perceptions between, Mercutio and Tybalt. For example Mercutio at first laughs, thinking that Romeo had made a sarcastic gesture, then as he realises Romeo’s sincerity he becomes angry and annoyed at Romeo, and Tybalt, “O, calm dissonarable, vile submission”.
Tybalt too unsure how to receive Romeo’s comments becomes angry and perceives that Roemo is mocking him. He wishes to fight even more strongly now, although Romeo was being true.
As Mercutio is injured suspense is created on stage, this breaks up the intense action of the Scene, and allows the audience to reflect on the happenings that have just gone on.
The death of Mercutio infuriates Romeo, “Now, Tybalt, take the “Villain” back again.” This is unlike Romeo as he is usally a loving caring person, that doesn’t rise to a fight lightly.
