Question: Why has Shakespeare ended Mercutio's dramatic life so early in the play?
Answer:I. Up to this time Mercutio has played almost as important a role in the drama as Romeo. The time has now come for Romeo to assert himself and take his place as the hero. In order that he should do this to the fullest degree it is necessary
that Mercutio's dramatic life should be brought to a close. II. Mercutio's defiant spirit, his vivacity,
gaiety, wit, would be inopportune, misplaced, inartistic, amid the tragic events which follow.
How to cite this article:
Fleming, William H. How to Study Shakespeare. New York: Doubleday and Co., 1898. Shakespeare Online. 10 Aug. 2010. (date when you accessed the information) < http://www.shakespeare-online.com/plays/romeo/questions/deathofmercutio.html >.
