Shakespeare's Use of Language in Act 3, Scene 1

English Coursework

Shakespeare Essay

Discuss the way Shakespeare uses language to portray the characters Mercutio, Tybalt and Romeo in Act III, Scene 1.

The compelling and tragic drama of “Romeo and Juliet” tells the story of two young “star-crossed lovers” whose blossoming romance is forbidden and jeopardised by the age-old rivalry of their families, which together, with chance and accident leads to fast-paced action on Verona’s streets. Ultimately this leads to the premature deaths of Mercutio and Tybalt in Act III, Scene 1. The scene is a pivotal point in the play as the unfolding events trigger a chain reaction. However, it will eventually create a silver lining, which despite the surrounding heartbreak; will result in the resolution of the “ancient grudge.” Throughout the play, as is evident in Act III, Scene 1, the main characters were given language by Shakespeare which would intensify the drama, set the scene and portray their emotions.

Mercutio’s greatest strength lies in his facility with words. This aspect of his character is illustrated when Benvolio says: “By my head here comes the Capulets.” and Mercutio replies: “By my heal I care not.” (3.1.30-31) Mercutio takes Benvolio’s word “head” and replaces it with “heal” showing that he holds the completely opposite view as head and heal are opposite ends of the body. The word “heal” further shows Mercutio’s care free quality and disinterest in consequences as a “heal” does not think but the “head” does. Mercutio speaks a great deal and reveals much about himself and the other characters. Often when he speaks he talks either in puns or he rearranges others words to suit his own purposes; but in both there is always a joke. His clever and witty way offers light relief to the audience amongst the heavy wording of the other characters. Equally, his words have the ability to intimidate and embarrass others fuelling the tension within the play.

Mercutio is highly temperamental hence the parallel with the characteristics of mercury from which I believe Shakespeare was inspired to create “Mercutio”. Mercury can be a very peaceful metal one moment then suddenly become very volatile without warning which is exactly what Mercutio is like. Further characteristics of Mercutio are evident when he says: “I will not budge for no man’s pleasure, I.” (3.1.48). The repetition of “I” displays his great belief in having the right to be where he wants at any time and his stubbornness to bow to anyone else, regardless of the consequences. He seems a very clever character so therefore should be aware that by not moving a fight is ensured to happen but he is unworried due to one wanting to fight as pride and family honour is of great importance to him. The Capulets are of an equal standing in society as Mercutio however he refers to them as “man’s”, this was quite insulting and it further shows the sincere digs Mercutio continually slips into conversation which will in due course infuriate Tybalt.

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Mercutio is an incredible joker in any circumstance. When he says: “Ask for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a grave man.” (3.1.89-90) Mercutio is aware that he has been fatally injured but is unable to stop joking so as he tells his friends of his imminent death, he knows it will be before “tomorrow”, all he can describe himself as is “a grave man.” This inability to stop joking and the fact that he has previously never been serious is a critical downfall in his character as his friends do not take him seriously until it is too late. On the outside he is an extravert and very much likes being the centre of attention, which his repartee attitude enable him to be, however underneath I believe he is very sad and lonely who jokes in order to fit in. His friends like him for his jokes but don’t understand him which consequently leaves him alone, despite being surrounded by people, as he takes his final breaths.

Tybalt is not looking to fight with anyone other than Romeo, especially not Mercutio. We are aware of this when he says to Mercutio: “Well, peace be with you Sir, here comes my man.” (3.1.49) Tybalt has distanced himself from Mercutio with this statement and is being very diplomatic, despite all the verbal insults Mercutio has thrown at him. Moreover, this line is an assertion on Tybalt’s behalf that his conversation with Mercutio is ended this allows him to escape Mercutio’s puns. Tybalt is a victim to Mercutio’s puns due to his lacking ability with the use of words which is hence why he says very little during the scene. “My man” is very disrespectful to Romeo, as he is the son of a Lord and both men are of equal standing, and it would normally be used to talk about someone who is a follower or servant; in addition it shows the audience that Tybalt is completely unaware that they are now cousins. When reading between the lines, the “hear comes” conveys the idea that this is the beginning of the violence and that at some point Tybalt and Romeo will fight. Furthermore, the word “well” makes Tybalt’s comment seem quite flippant and as those there is more to come between him and Mercutio; which ultimately is their confrontation.

Tybalt feels insulted by Romeo and therefore confronts him: “Romeo, the love I bear thee can afford no better term than this, thou art a villain.” (3.1.57) Tybalt feels superior to Romeo and so calls him a “villain” which is insulting. Tybalt is very demanding and expects everyone to listen to his words as is evident with him calling to “Romeo” before speaking; this made sure that Romeo and the others around would listen. The statement is very hypocritical of the current situation with Tybalt referring to “the love I bear thee”: Tybalt at that point is being disrespectful as he is unaware of the new family connection, which should actually create a love between the two of them. Much of what Tybalt says to Romeo is very insulting, although it is straightforward insulting due to Tybalt’s lack of way with words. For example, he refers to Romeo with the term “thou”, this was a familiar expression which was used between people who were close to one another and as Tybalt and Romeo are not it is therefore very discourteous to use, especially to someone of Romeo’s status. Tybalt further invectives Romeo when he uses the word “afford”: we commonly use “afford” when we talk about an object, practically buying an object so Tybalt takes away Romeo’s sense of being a person with feeling and a living life.

A great weakness of Tybalt’s is that he is not very good with words especially when compared to his excellent swordsmanship. This aspect of his character is illustrated when he says: “I am for you.” (3.1.75) In order to not display his weakness to everyone he subsequently speaks very little and when he does speak it is in short, simple sentences as above. Tybalt is a very direct and proud character which is evident here as the “I” and “you” make the small statement very threatening and personal. It further shows how persistent and aggressive he is; once Mercutio has pushed him this far he straight away takes it to the next step. As Tybalt said this, the actor should be “[Drawing]” (3.1.75) this stage direction tells us that the sword is a part of Tybalt’s identity. Consequently he is referred to as the “King of Cats” by Mercutio (3.1.70) for his rapid reflexes and agile ability make him feel secure in sword fighting; this differs from Romeo and Mercutio.

Romeo is a clever character who is able to deduct that the future will have been influenced by the events of today. This is evident when he says: “This day’s black fate on moe days doth depend.” (3.1.110) The “black fate” shows us that Romeo fears the evil outcome of today’s violence but is aware that the effect will lie in the future; this comes from the reference “moe days.” We know Romeo is upset by the death of his friend as he mentions it to be a “black” day: “black” is an excellent choice of word as we associate it with death and funerals. Romeo’s speech is in the typical style of iambic pentameter which makes it run very smoothly together and flow easy off the tongue, hence making it more poetic; this is a character trait of Romeo’s. Furthermore, the language of this speech is very high sounding and portentous which reflects that Romeo was the son of a wealthy landowner and had been educated unlike many others at that time. At this point in the play the real tragedy begins which changes everyone’s lives; from this point forward the play is all based around a revenge tragedy.

A great strength and equally a great weakness of Romeo’s is that he acts on his first emotion straight away. This aspect of his character is illustrated when he says: “… fire eyed fury be my conduct now.” (3.1.115) By acting on his first emotion he only ever considers his “conduct now”, had he taken a step back from the situation and thought about the matter he could have made a much better decision. The alliteration of “fire eyed fury” builds up the drama and anticipation with its short, sharp sounds whilst portraying how upset and angry Romeo is, which is quite out of character as he is more a lover who shies from fighting. But with Shakespeare’s words you can really feel a tension and a willingness to fight to the death in honour of his friend; for Romeo is very loyal to his friends. On the other hand what is in character is Romeo’s unpredictability, at the start of the scene he didn’t wish to fight but with the one action of Mercutio’s death Romeo just changes. This inability to be able to control his emotions and actions is quite an immature quality that links with the portrayal of Romeo being much younger in ways than Tybalt or Mercutio.

Romeo realises he has made a life-altering mistake when he accidentally kills Tybalt: “O I am fortune’s fool!” (3.1.127). The “O” confirms to us how he is a very emotionally character and takes things to heart very easily; it further gives the audience the impression that his mind is beginning to take in the situation and realise the true events that have happened and their consequences. He is no longer acting on his fury. In addition, the “O I” re-enforces that he is talking about himself and truly means what he is saying; alongside the use of the “!” it is evident that the line is to be said with a lot of passion. Within this statement Shakespeare uses the alliteration of “fortune’s fool” to help the audience remember this key point however it is a very mellow alliteration compared to other’s he has used. Therefore it slows the speech down and begins to decrease the drama resulting in the audience moving their attention away from the fight. Romeo I believe is very clever and very easily sees the mistake he has made, although he is able to recognise that he has succumbed to mere chance. Tybalt was the better swords man and there were times when this course of action could have changed; to put this simply and effectively “fortune’s fool” works excellent for that is what he is.

Throughout the scene Shakespeare has carefully selected words and phrases which engage the audience and enable the unconscious portrayal of qualities in the main characters. These words show that Romeo is a true romantic and not yet matured into the way of the world. Whilst Tybalt is typical of the time, good with a sword and holds family honour high. Meanwhile Mercutio is a great extrovert and much fun which coupled with his ability with words enable him to fit in. Altogether, the three characters are very unique and show how the typical man of the time (Tybalt) can actually be less appealing and not who you truly fall in love with. The language allows the audience to understand the true colours of the characters and without this they would not be able to get true satisfaction from the play. Shakespeare was a veritable master at his work and consequently his language has made “Romeo and Juliet” a play that throughout all of history and every generation is perfectly fitting.

Quotations from “Romeo and Juliet” Cambridge School Shakespeare

Cambridge University Press – ISBN978-0-521-61870-0