In this extract, Mercutio taunts Tybalt, looking for a fight between each of the characters, but Tybalt refuses because he is looking for Romeo, whom he was to slay and murder. However, once Tybalt has found him, Romero refuses to fight, and Mercutio is disgusted with his decision. The reader knows the Mercutio’s rage is building and that he will in any moment commence a battle throughout the Verona streets. The author’s purpose of this extract is to in other words, basically “tell” the reader that there will soon be a tragedy amongst them. To do this, the author has used language that gives the reader a better idea of what is occurring throughout the play.
Firstly, the author uses words, repetition, insults and humor to reveal masculinity throughout the scene. The words that are used can be related to diction because the author uses specific words in order to produce this diction and create an even better tension build scene. The author uses words like fiddlestick, occasion, rat catcher, hate, injuries that allow the reader to predict to upcoming events that will take place in the play. Dramatic irony is also a very important theme throughout the extract. The reader is convinced that they know what is going to occur, but the characters have no idea what events are to come. The author also uses a term that is known as identity name. This term is related to each character that has a specific meaning in the play. In the extract, Mercutio represents instinct and passion. Tybalt represents aggression and violence and Benvolio represents peacekeeping. A very important part of the extract is when Romeo enters the scene. This is because it marks the beginning of his fall and death in the play. The tone throughout the scene can be seen as aggressive and violent. The writer’s attitude is quite poor because Mercutio and Tybalt will be coming to their deaths at any moment.
In conclusion, the author utilizes many meanings and ideas that can bring the scene to life, creating a more realistic and interesting way of seeing the many different terms he uses in order to produce this play.
