Some examples of Mercutio’s manipulative word play are’ and as soon to be moody and moody to be moved’ and ‘thy head is full of quarrel as an egg is full of meat.’ These examples show Mercutio is trying to say Benvolio looks to find a fight in any situation even if there is no need. He also tries to portray Benvolio as a person who loves to fight.
Mercutio seems to be a character that is manipulative and extremely violent, because he seems to enjoy the idea of fighting Tybalt and is not afraid of the idea of death. He is extremely selfish as he wants one of his friends to join him. This is selfish asas if he and his friends are caught fighting then they will suffer the death penalty all because of Mercutio.
At this stage physical conflict has not occurred but the verbal battle between Mercutio and Benvolio sets the seen for an anticipated brawl between the Montagues and the Capulets.
This scene contrasts with the previous scene when Romeo and Juliet married because the atmosphere is romantic it is also the first time since the start of the play when ther was no dramatic tension between a Montague and a Capulet.
Whilst the previous scene it shows the importance of love and the forbidden relationship between Romeo and Juliet .
Act 3 scene 1 develops the importance the importance of other themes and ideas in the play such as selfishness and physical violence. Mercutio portrays these themes and ideas very well. For example Mercutio is violent when tries to put Benvolio in a angry mood and he is also thoughtless of the consequences of what will happen. This is also very selfish of Mercuito as his actions don’t just effect him the effect his friends to. However in this scene he doesn’t seem to be bothered about it.
It is important that wee see the marriage of Rome and Juliet, just before Act 3 Scene 1 , because the events which occur have a serious impact on the fate of the two lovers and by the end of the scene their love seem to have taken a grievous turn because of the death of Tybalt( Juliets cousin) and Mercutio (Romeos best friend).
Shakespeare’s structuring of this scene is important because he put a scene which violent and dramatic after one which is calm and romantic. This is done to capture the direct contrast between the atmosphere of the scenes , it also engages the audience as they don’ t know what will happen next.
Also after seeing Romeo and Juliet together and watching their love develop the audience feels more confused and distraught at the end of act 3 scene 1when we see that their marriage is in devastating state.
Act 3 scene 1 links to previous events in the play because we know that the Montague and the capulets are sworn enemies and they have been caught fighting in the streets of Verona. We alsoknow that they are forbidden any fighting and the punishment is the death penalty .
The appearance of the charectors who are on opposite sides of the two familys in the act 3 scene 1 means that the audience suspects a fight between the Montagues and the Capulets.
Act 3 scene 1 links to the opening scene of the play when Benvolio and Tybalt were involved in brawl which ended up with the prince declaring that if either of the familys were caught fighting in the streets the penalty would be death.
The audience would be reminded of the ban on fighting in the streets and it’s consequences at sever points in he act 3 scene 1, because characters such as Benvolio and Romeo refer to it when they are trying to persuade Mercutio and Tybalt not to fight in the public eye. For example Benvolio says to Mercutio and Tybalt
‘we talk here in the public haunt of men either withdraw unto some private place and reason coldly of your grievous or else depart from there , as al eyes gaze on us’
This shows the audience that Benvolio is weary of the consequences if caught fighting in the streets.
Romeo emphasises the danger of fighting in the streets of Verona, when he says to Tybalt and Mercutio
‘The prince wrath hath forbidden banding in the streets of Verona’
This is an important reminder of the law about fighting in the streets and creates more impact because Romeo refer to Tybalt by name.
Another indication of the serious outcome of disobeying the Princes law is shown when Benvolio says to Romeo
‘Romeo O Romeo brave Mercutio is dead’
There seems to be a greater sense of urgency in this line because Mercutio is dead. However Mercutio has not died because of the princes’ punishment he was murdered by Mercutio. This shocks the audience as it was not expected because the main focus was on the princes’ punishment.
I think this scene links well to previous events in the play, because it reminds us that the characters are venerable to death because the feud between the Capulet and Montague’s is so intense. It also continues to develop the themes, of selfishness and thoughtlessness, which were introduced in the previous scenes.
Dramatic irony is when the audience shares knowledge with the audience shares knowledge with the author of what will happen to one of the characters. In this situation the character will often express them selves in away which contradict their actions later.
An example of dramatic irony in Act 3 scene 1 is when Romeo expresses his proposal to not quarrel with Tybalt.
He says to Tybalt
‘Tybalt the reason I have to love thee. Doth hath excuse the appertaining rage to such a greeting: villain am I none, therefore farewell I see thoust know me not’
To which Tybalt replies
‘Boy this shall not excuse the injuries that thou hast done me therefore turn and draw’
As an audience we know hat Romeo kills Tybalt in revenge at the end of the scene, so his refusal to quarrel with Tybalt at this point is a good example of dramatic irony. When Mercutio is killed by Tybalt, Romeos actions are completely opposite to his previous calm and peaceful attitude. He is now determined to kill Tybalt in revenge for the late Mercutio and challenges Tybalt to a fight. Vowing that Tybalt, Romeo or even both will join Mercutio.
He also insist Tybalt take back the insulting comment e made about him, even though he excuses these comments earlier.
In the start of Act 3 scene1 Mercutio is in angry and violent mood and is eager for a fight. So when Tybalt and the rest of the Capulet arrive on the scene. The audience expects conflict between Mercutio and Tybalt.
Mercutio’s attitude towards Tybalt is very disrespectful. Mercutio challenges Tybalt even though Tybalt has no direct problem with Mercutio himself. Mercutio mocks Tybalts nickname (The king of cats), bu calling him a
‘Rat catcher’. We Can tell Mercutio is in mood to fight with Tybalt, because when Benvolio states
‘By my head here come the Capulet’
Mercutio replies
‘By my heel I care not’
This shows Mercutio is not afraid to clash with Tybalt.
When Mercutio and Tybalt draw their sword the audience knows that neither Mercutio nor Tybalt will step down, because they are both arrogant and will not even let the slightest remark go. When Mercutio says
‘Tybalt you rat catcher will you walk’
Tybalt replies
‘I am for you’
This shows there thoughtlessness about the consequences of their actions.
When Mercutio and Tybalt fight Mercutio is slain under Romeos arm
However the death of Mercutio is not what shocks the audience it is the response which Mercutio gives.
He jokes at first by calling the wound a scratch. However Mercutios mood swiftly changes as he curse both family
‘a plague a both your houses’
This is because he is furious about dying over an ‘ancient feud’. However his attitude at this point contradicts his attitude at the start of the scene when he was not afraid of the idea of death.
When Benvolio declares Mercutios death by saying
‘Romeo O Romeo brave Mercutios dead’
Some of the audience may sympathise with Romeo and Benvolio tragic loss however some may feel its what Mercutio deserves, because either way if Mercutio fought Tybalt he would have been executed by the prince.
Mercutios death is also motif to kill Tybalt. In this part of the scene Benvolio does not try and stop Romeo and Tybalt fighting, because even though he is the most sensible out of all the characters he is still angry about Mercutios death. This makes the atmosphere in the audience very anxious and tense.
The fight scene between Romeo and Tybalt was extremely dramatic as it was eagerly anticipated.
We also see Romeos drastic change in character, which not only affects his life in Verona but also his life with Juliet.
In this play and especially in Act3 scene 1 Shakespeare cleverly makes characters appear and disappear, to add tension within the audience.
For example when Tybalt enters with his followers, we can tell he is in a particularly angry mood we also know he is looking for Romeo to fight him, because of his intrusion at the Capulet ball. This is also dramatic irony as we also know that Mercutio is also in a violent and angry mood. We also share the knowledge that the Montague's and Capulet’s are sworn enemies. So when Tybalt and his Capulet followers arrive we are anxious to see what will happen when Mercutio and Tybalt confront each other.
Another major part of the scene is when Romeo enters the scene. This adds to drama sufficiently as we know Romeo is fresh from his marriage with Juliet. This means Romeo is related to Tybalt threw Juliet. So when Tybalt confronts Romeo we are apprehensive to see his reactions.
Also when Benvolio and Mercutio exit the scene, because Mercutio is seriously wounded, it leaves Romeo on his own. This is interesting for the audience to watch as Romeos true feeling are let out he says
‘This gentleman the prince near allies my very friend hath go this mortal hurt on my behalf as my reputation stained with Tybalt slander’
This little speech makes the audience think about he stability of Romeo and Juliet’s marriage.
When Benvolio re-enters and declares Mercutios death, Romeo’s morals and new found love for Tybalt and the Capulet family is lost he is then dead set claiming revenge for Mercutios death.
When Tybalt arrives back on to the scene he is suddenly confronted by Romeo. We can see Romeo forget all of his previous thoughts. Romeo actions might change the audiences opinion of Romeo, as we start o see his selfishness as he doesn’t think of Juliet when he kills Tybalt. This also makes the audience think that Romeo and Juliet’s relationship is in jeopardy.
Romeos swift exit at the end of the scene makes us think about Romeos true character. It shows him as a person who doesn’t except his mistakes and runs away from his problems.
Shakespeare very cleverly links the play to the audience by using language which would have been very relevant to the Elizabethan audience. A good example is when Tybalt harmlessly gestured that Mercutio consorts with Romeo. A modern audience may think this means associate with, however in the Elizabethan era ‘consort’ was a group of low paid low status musicians. Another example would be when Tybalt refers to Romeo as my man, aswell as meaning the person I would like to speak with Tybalt had inadvertently insulted Mercutio. Because in Shakespearean time ‘a man’
Tybalt also offend Romeo by calling him a ‘villain and boy’. These were serious remarks as Romeo came from a noble family and Tybalt was tarnishing Romeos reputation an honour. Romeo was expected to uphold his honour in a duel. Even though in modern times, it would be ludicrous to fight over something so petty. However in Elizabethan times titles, status and honour were very important concepts.
Another historical context which links to Shakespeare audience is when Mercutio wishes a plague upon both the Montague and Capulet household. This remark refers to a serious problem in the Elizabethan time as the plague was a main killer through out the Elizabethan period and the play houses had to be closed because of the spreading of the disease.
Shakespeare use of different types of language causes the audience to create mages in their mind of what will happen. For example when trying to create a violent and aggressive atmosphere Shakespeare uses very aggressive words. For instance when Benvolio says
‘These days a mad blood stirring’
We can imagine Mercutio blood boiling, because he is angry. Also when Mercutio replies to Tybalt by saying
‘And but one word with one of us couple it with something and make it a blow’
The word ‘blow’ causes the expectations that a fight will take place. Other words such as ‘vile’ and ‘fire eyed’ all add together to creaye an aggressive atmosphere. Also when Mercutio wishes a plague upon both rival familes, this gives an image of death. It is also symbolic as we know that the plague comes in the forms of Romeo and Juliets death.
The religious comments which also refer to death made by some characters may link to Shakespeare catholic heritage. It might also refer to the lives lost in the wars between Protestants and Catholic Christians.
Through out the play Mercutio speaks in a similar pattern it is very poetic and he use word play to make his point clear. The word play is used n a violent manor. For example when Mercutio says
‘And though make minstrels out of us look to hear nothing discords, here’s my fiddle stick that shall make you dance.’
This extravagant language shows two things; one thing is that Mercutio status is very high. The second is that Mercutio is a very violent person.
In Act 3 scene 1 Mercutio’s aggressive language adds to the anticipation of a brawl between the Montague's and the Capulet. Shakespeare uses metaphors to create images in the audiences mind, this is to create suspense. A good example of this is when Romeo says
‘I am fortunes fool’
This tells the audience about the instability of Romeo and Juliet marriage. It also shows a weakness in Romeos character because he blames fortune for his aggressive actions.
Alliteration is used very well, for example Benvolio states
‘The Prince will doom the to death’
These two words link to each other and emphasise the princes law about fighting in the streets of Verona and the consequences of it.
Conclusion
Act 3 scene 1 is a major turning point as the atmosphere of the play has drastically changed. The audience would start to feel shocked and will have mixed opinions about the fate of Romeo and Juliet
Act 3 scene 1 is a turning point as previously in the play their were no major events which would have effected the outcome of the play. However in Act 3scene 1 Mercutio is killed and in turn Romeo kills Tybalt resulting in the prince banishing Romeo. This puts the relationship between Romeo and Juliet in jeopardy.
When the Prince ends the scene with abrief speech it is asif he addressing the audience. He tells him directly what will happen to Romeo if he is found. This interests the audience as they start to think about Romeo and Juliets relationship.
I think Act3 Scene1 is the reason why this play was such a success. This is because with out this part of the play Romeo and Juliet would have been like any other romance story. But with its presence its original twist ensured the ending was not a happy one which was different to any other romance story.