Question: What is the dramatic function of Mercutio's Queen Mab speech?
Answer: It is an episode. It is introduced by Shakespeare for the purpose of preventing too rapid progress of the action of the drama. During its recital the action, which has just begun by the journey of Romeo and his friends to the ball, ceases movement.
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/mabfunction.html >.
