The Assignment
Mercutio is the antithesis to Romeo. “The brooding nature of Romeo,” says the Irish critic
and poet Edward Dowden, “which cherishes emotion, and lives in it, is made salient by
contrast with Mercutio, who is all wit, and intellect, and vivacity, an uncontrollable play of
gleaming and glancing life.”
Apart from clashing with Tybalt, what role does Mercutio play in the story? Is he a
colorful supporting character and source of comic relief? Or does he, perhaps, serve a
more vital function?
In five well-crafted paragraphs, discuss the character of Mercutio and analyze his role in
Romeo & Juliet.
The essay must be typed and conform to standard MLA style (8 th edition).
