Page (3 of 4) Quotes:
1 2 3 4
How we cite the quotes:
Citations follow this format: (Act.Scene.Line). Line numbers correspond to the 2008 Norton edition of the play.
| Quote #7 MERCUTIO Why, is not this better now than groaning for love? now art thou sociable, now art thou Romeo; now art thou what thou art, by art as well as by nature: for this drivelling love is like a great natural, that runs lolling up and down to hide his bauble in a hole. (2.4.20) |
Mercutio is glad that Romeo has stopped moping around and going on and on about his love for Rosaline; he feels like he has his friend back again. Mercutio's seeming jealousy reminds us of the relationship between Bassanio and Antonio in The Merchant of Venice. Antonio is just a smidge jealous when Bassanio pursues Portia.
| Quote #8 ROMEO This gentleman, the prince's near ally, My very friend, hath got his mortal hurt In my behalf; my reputation stain'd With Tybalt's slander,--Tybalt, that an hour Hath been my kinsman! O sweet Juliet, Thy beauty hath made me effeminate And in my temper soften'd valour's steel! (3.1.7) |
Romeo believes that his love for Juliet has made him less manly. Here, he says that he dishonored himself as a man by choosing not to fight with Tybalt for Juliet's sake.
| Quote #9 ROMEO Alive, in triumph! and Mercutio slain! Away to heaven, respective lenity, And fire-eyed fury be my conduct now! Now, Tybalt, take the villain back again, That late thou gavest me; for Mercutio's soul Is but a little way above our heads, Staying for thine to keep him company: Either thou, or I, or both, must go with him. (3.1.9) |
Romeo reasserts his masculinity by fighting Tybalt. He also avenges the death of his best friend, which makes us wonder whether or not Juliet is the most important person in Romeo's life.