Opposing Opinions of Love

ENG 222

Romeo and Mercutio

Opposing Opinions of Love

In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the views of love believed by Romeo contrast sharply with the views of Mercutio. Romeo's character seems to suffer from a type of agitated misery. He is in love with his own sorrow, hastily captivated and easily crushed again on a passionate roller coaster of emotion. Mercutio, is much more real-world and level headed. His perceptions are clear and quick, characterized by exact thought and careful evaluation. Romeo, true to his character begins his entrance in the play by wallowing in his depression over Rosaline who does not love him back:

ROMEO (Act I Scene I Lines 185-193)

Why, such is love's transgression.

Griefs of mine own lie heavy in my breast,

Which thou wilt propagate, to have it prest

With more of thine: this love that thou hast shown

Doth add more grief to too much of mine own.

Love is a smoke raised with the fume of sighs;

Being purged, a fire sparkling in lovers' eyes;

Being vex'd a sea nourish'd with lovers' tears:

What is it else? a madness most discreet,

A choking gall and a preserving sweet. (R & J)

The references to "fire" and "sea" are signs that these are lines of passion rather than love. Romeo sees himself as subjective to his situation, "Doth add more grief to too much of mine own." and is swallowed up in his self-pity as well. Romeo is only forgiven these faults because he is young, immature, and destined to die. If he were an older character viewers would not so easily forgive him. Mercutio's levelheadedness serves to provide a contrast to which Romeo can be commended. Were both doting depressives, the play's roster would be off balance.

MERCUTIO (Act I Scene IV lines 23-26)

And, to sink in it, should you burden love;

Too great oppression for a tender thing.

ROMEO

Is love a tender thing? it is too...