Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare Act 3 Scene 1 PDF

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Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare line by line analysis of Act 3 Scene 1. Summary of the entire chapter broken down into sectors to ensure greater understanding. An analysis of the summary is provided to ensure complete depth of understanding of the scene as a whole...

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Romeo and Juliet Act 3 Scene 1

Line by line

Benvolio “ I pray thee, good Mercutio, let’s retire… for now (during) these hot days, is the mad blood stirring.” -

Direct translation: I think it would be a good idea to get out of the streets, Mercutio. When it’s as hot as this, people get easily provoked. There’s lots of Capulets about. I’m afraid that if we run into any of them, we’ll wind up in a fight.

Mercutio “Thou art like one of those fellows that when he ... him (it) on the drawer (bartender), when indeed there is no need” -

Direct translation: You’re one of those guys who goes into a pub and takes his sword off saying, “I won’t be needing you.” But by the time your second drink is having an effect, you’ve drawn your sword on the bartender for no good reason.

Mercutio “Come, come, thou art as hot a jack(fellow) in thy mood as any in Italy; and as soon moved (inclined) to be moody, and as soon moody to be moved (provoked)” -

Direct translation: You’re as hot-headed as any Italian. You get angry at the smallest provocation, or when you’re feeling angry already, you just look around for something to provoke you.

Mercutio “Nay, an (if) there were two such, we should have none shortly… And yet thou wilt tutor me from quarreling?” -

Direct translation: “Provoked two”? No, if there were two of you, there would quickly be none, since they would kill each other. You! Why you would quarrel with a man who has one more or one less hair in his beard than you do. You would quarrel with a man for cracking hazelnuts just because you have hazel eyes. You ask, “Am I really like that?” You are the “I” with an eye for finding quarrels.Your brain is as full with quarrels as an egg is full of yolk, even after your brain’s been scrambled like an egg when you’ve been beaten up for fighting. You fought a guy because he coughed and woke up your dog when it was asleep in the sun. Didn’t you fight with the tailor for wearing his new jacket before Easter, and with another man for putting old laces in his new shoes? And yet you would lecture me about quarrelling!

Benvolio “And what to?” Mercutio “Nay, an (if) there were two such, we should have none shortly, for one would kill the other.” -

A very subtle pun. Mercutio picks up on the “to” in Benvolio’s expression, ”And what to?”, replying that if there were “two” like him, they would kill each other.

Mercutio “Thou wilt quarrel with a man for cracking nuts, having no other reason but because thou hast hazel eyes.” -

Wordplay “hazel”

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Mercutio says that Benvolio would quarrel with someone for cracking nuts because he, Benvolio, has hazel coloured eyes. Besides being a colour, a hazel is also a type of nut.

Mercutio “Thy head is as full of quarrel as an egg is full of meat (yolk), and yet thy head hath been beaten as addle as an egg for quarreling.” -

Metaphor

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Mercutio’s head full of quarrels is likened to an egg full of yolk. Eggs are beaten (in preparation for cooking) and Mercutio’s head gets beaten when he fights in a quarrel.

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When Mercutio gets his brains beaten out of him, he becomes “addled”, as useless as an “addled egg”.

Mercutio “been beaten as addle as an egg for quarreling…” -

The word “addle” referred to useless eggs

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The word was used figuratively to mean a useless brain

Benvolio “An (if) I were so apt to quarrel… and a quarter.” -

Direct translation: If I were as quick to get into a fight as you, any man should bet that my life will be short.

Mercutio “Consort! What, dost thou make us minstrels (musicians)” -

Consort derives from the Latin word “con” together and “sortem” which refers to your lot in life

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To consort with someone meant to be their companion or spouse

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In Shakespeare’s day, the word consort used to be confused with concert. This word (concert) derived from the Latin word “con” meaning together and “certare” meaning to perform

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In this sense consort could refer to a harmony, or a group of musicians playing together. This is how Mercutio interpreted the word consort. He is thinking about travelling musicians

Benvolio “We talk here in public haunt (view) of men… Or else depart. Here all eyes gaze on us.” -

Direct translation: We’re arguing out in public. Remember the Prince’s threat. Either let’s go to some private place where we can discuss your grievances calmly and rationally, or else go our separate ways. Here everyone's looking at us.

Mercutio “But I’ll be hanged…may call him ‘man’” -

Direct translation: Your man! I’d be hanged before he would put on the uniform of your manservants. You call him your servant, your follower. Go to the dueling field; he’ll be your “follower” then. He’ll follow you onto the field to give you a proper fight. In that sense, your worship may call him your “follower.”

Mercutio “be your follower; your worship (Tybalt), in that sense, may call him man” -

When Tybalt sees Romeo and says, “Here comes my man” he means here comes the man he’s looking for.

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Mercutio intentionally misinterprets Tybalt’s phrase “my man” which could refer to one of a nobleman’s personal servants who wear a uniform (“livery”) which indicates to which noble house the servant is attached.

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“My man” may also refer to a follower, a gentleman of lower social rank who owes allegiance to the nobleman.

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Mercutio jokes that the only sense in which Romeo would be a “follower” of Tybalt would be if Romeo followed Tybalt onto the dueling field where they would fight it out “man” to “man.”

Romeo “Tybalt, the reason that I have to love thee… Therefore farewell; I see thou knowest me not.”

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Tybalt, I have reason to love you, and that reason prevents the anger such a remark should provoke. I’m no villain. So goodbye, I see that you don’t really know me.

Romeo “I do protest, I never injured thee…as dearly as my own be satisfied” -

Direct translation: I insist, I have never insulted you, and actually have more love for you than you can guess until you understand the reason why. And so, good Capulet--a name I now must value as much as my own--be content with this.

Mercutio “Good king of cats” -

Allusion

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Once again Mercutio refers to Tybalt as a cat, because of a popular folktale featuring a cat by that name.

Mercutio “Will you pluck your sword out of his pilcher (covering) by the ears? Make haste, lest mine (my sword) be about your ears ere it be out” -

A nobleman’s sword is normally kept in an elaborately decorated sheath called a scabbard.

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Mercutio insults Tybalt by referring to his scabbard as a pilcher - a pilch is a cheap leather covering.

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He then paints an image of Tybalt having to pull his sword out by its ears, as if the sword were cowardly and he has difficulty getting it to come out to fight.

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He then warns Tybalt to hurry up or he’ll be bashed about his ears.

Mercutio “Ask for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a grave man.” -

Wordplay

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As an adjective, grave means serious. But Mercutio, punning to the last, suggests that they will find him to be a man in his grave.

Mercutio “No, ‘tis not so deep… I was hurt under your arm.” -

Direct translation: No, the wound’s not as deep as a well, nor as wide as a church-door, but it’s enough. It’ll do the job. Ask for me tomorrow, and you will find me a grave man. I am finished for this world. A plague on both your houses! My God, a mere dog, a rat, a mouse, or a cat can scratch a man to death! Some braggarts, some rogue, some villain that

fights by the book as if he’s solving arithmetic problems! Romeo, why the devil did you come between us? He stabbed me underneath your arm.

Romeo “Alive in triumph and Mercutio slain!... Either thou or I, or both, must go with him.” -

Direct translation: How can he be alive and triumphant and Mercutio’s killed? I’ve had enough of my considerate mercy, and now I will act with fiery fury! Now, Tybalt, take back what you said about me being a villain or else, for Mercutio’s soul has not yet flown far away, and it’s waiting for yours to keep him company. Either you or me, or both of us, must go with him.

Benvolio “Romeo, away, be gone! The citizens are up (alarmed)… if thou art taken. Hence, be gone, away!” -

Direct translation: Romeo, you have to get away, hurry! There are people around and Tybalt’s lying here dead. Don’t stand there stupefied. The prince will condemn you to death if you’re arrested. Go, get out, get away!

Benvolio “O noble prince, I can discover (reveal) all … That slew thy kinsman, brave Mercutio.” -

Direct translation: Oh noble prince, I can explain it all, everything that happened as a result of this fateful brawl. There’s the man Romeo killed, the one who slew Mercutio.

Lady Capulet “Tybalt, my cousin” -

In Shakespeare’s day, the word “cousin” simply referred to any blood relative.

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Tybalt is actually Lady Capulet’s nephew

Benvolio “Tybalt, here slain… This is the truth, or let Benvolio die” -

Direct translation: It was Tybalt, who lies here dead after Romeo killed him. Romeo spoke kindly to him, urged him to stop and think about how silly the fight was, and mentioned your official disapproval. Everything he said, with his calm expression, even voice, and humble posture, could not ease Tybalt’s anger, for Tybalt was deaf to talk of peace. Tybalt struck at Mercutio with his sword, and Mercutio, who was just as angry, met him in that fight. They fought with warlike pride. Tybalt held death at bay with one

hand and Mercutio threatened him with death again in turn, but Tybalt nimbly pushed back. Romeo cried out “Stop, friends!” and tried to bat down their swords faster than his own cry. He rushed between them, and underneath his arm, Tybalt fatally stabbed brave Mercutio, and then Tybalt ran off. He came back not much later for Romeo, who had just begun to think of revenge, and they went at it as quick as lightning. Before I could even draw my sword to break up the fight, stout-hearted Tybalt was killed, and as he fell to the ground Romeo turned and fled. This is the truth. I stake my life on it.

Lady Capulet “He is a kinsman to the Montague… Romeo slew Tybalt, Romeo must not live.” -

Direct translation: He’s a relative of the Montagues. Affection for them twists his words, he’s not telling the truth. There were twenty or so fighting in this dreadful quarrel, and Romeo was the only one who killed. I beg for justice, Prince. You must give us justice. Romeo killed Tybalt, so Romeo cannot live.

Prince “And for that offense Immediately we do exile him hence… Mercy but murders, pardoning those that kill.” -

Direct translation: And for the offense let him be immediately exiled. I am not indifferent to the outcome of your feud. My family lies bleeding because of your uncivilized brawls. I will punish you with such a heavy fine that you will all regret the loss of my kinsman, Mercutio. I will not hear any pleading or excuses. Neither tears nor prayers will lighten the punishment, so don’t try either. Let Romeo depart quickly, or else, if he’s found here, he’ll be put to death immediately. Bring in Mercutio’s body and obey me. Mercy only does harm when it pardons those who kill.

Summary and Notes ✓ Benvolio and Mercutio are out walking around Verona, but Benvolio begs Mercutio to lead them home. ✓ It is a hot day, he says, and on such days “mad blood” often stirs—in other words, people get worked up more easily. ✓ Mercutio states that Benvolio is secretly hoping for a fight, or any other chance to use his sword.

✓ Benvolio is surprised to hear himself characterized this way, but Mercutio goes on and on about how hot-blooded Benvolio really is, making jokes about Benvolio’s lush sexual energy.

Notes -

Even though Benvolio is actually worried about being seen around Verona given the instability in the air, whilst Mercutio can’t stop cracking jokes.

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Mercutio is fun-loving and carefree as always, even in the face of Benvolio’s warnings that something bad may be about to happen.

✓ Tybalt, Petruchio, and some other Capulets approach. ✓ Benvolio warns Mercutio, but Mercutio is unconcerned by their presence. ✓ Tybalt approaches them and says he wants a word with the two of them—Mercutio urges Tybalt to couple his “one word” with a blow. ✓ Tybalt says he will if the men give him reason to. ✓ Tybalt addresses Mercutio and asks if he “consort’st with Romeo.” ✓ Benvolio, nervous, suggests they all go to some “private place” where they can resolve their grievances without getting the public involved. ✓ Mercutio insists he won’t move for anyone. ✓ Romeo approaches, and Tybalt says his “man” has arrived. ✓ Mercutio, offended, rises to Tybalt’s taunt. Notes -

Tybalt’s verbal attacks against Mercutio are designed to taunt and play upon Mercutio’s own tendency for sexual jokes and puns.

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The Elizabethan meaning of “consort” is to associate with—but also to engage sexually with—another person, while “man” connotes a servant or someone otherwise submissive.

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By essentially calling Mercutio a homosexual and implying he is attracted to Romeo, then, Tybalt is insulting both their masculinities—and Mercutio can’t help but rise to the bait.

✓ Tybalt turns on Romeo, mocking him and calling him a villain. ✓ Romeo tries to defuse Tybalt’s anger by calmly suggesting he move on.

✓ Tybalt, though, tells Romeo it is time for him to answer for the “injuries” he has done to Tybalt. ✓ Romeo says he’s never injured Tybalt, and in fact loves the Capulet man, whose surname he loves “as dearly as [his] own.” ✓ Mercutio, angered by Romeo’s “vile submission,” draws his sword. ✓ Tybalt draws his, too, and though Romeo begs them to stop, Tybalt and Mercutio begin fighting. ✓ Romeo tries to break up the fight, but Tybalt stabs Mercutio, reaching under Romeo’s raised arm as he does so. ✓ Petruchio drags Tybalt away from the fight, and Mercutio angrily wishes “a plague” upon the houses of both Capulet and Montague.

Notes -

Romeo tries as hard as he can to defuse the tension between Tybalt and the Montagues, but his efforts are in vain.

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Though Romeo is willing to put aside their families’ grudge, he knows deep down that Tybalt would never do the same, even if he were to learn that the two of them were now legally kinsmen.

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Romeo’s desire to stop the fight is all in vain, and he may actually be responsible for Mercutio’s injury—had he not gotten in the way

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Shakespeare seems to be suggesting, Mercutio might have been able to prevail.

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Mercutio, sick of always having to stand up for, comfort, and defend Romeo, shouts out that he is furious with both houses—their grudge has injured him, and will soon be the cause of his death.

✓ After Tybalt and the other Capulets leave, Benvolio and Romeo ask Mercutio if he’s badly hurt. ✓ He insists at first that he’s suffered just “a scratch”—but moments later calls for a doctor. ✓ Romeo says the injury doesn’t look so bad, but Mercutio predicts that he'll be dead by tomorrow. ✓ He calls again and again for a plague on both Romeo and Tybalt’s houses, then asks Benvolio to take him inside where he can die in peace.

✓ Alone on stage, Romeo laments that he has allowed Mercutio, his closest friend and kinsman, to be murdered by a man who’s only been related to him for an hour or so. ✓ Romeo blames Juliet for his misfortune, claiming that her “beauty hath made [him] effeminate.”

Notes -

Mercutio’s death scene is famous because of its brutality. As he dies, he doesn’t forgive Romeo or declare any elaborate final wishes—all he has left is bitterness and anger over how his life has ended.

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Mercutio, like his kinsman Prince Escalus, is fed up with the ways in which the Montagues and Capulets disturb the peace of Verona and bring misery unto its citizens— so, with his dying breaths, he curses them with misery, woe, disease, and death.

✓ Benvolio enters and announces that Mercutio has died. ✓ Romeo, enraged, states that “this day’s black fate” will begin a great “woe” between the Capulets and Montagues. ✓ Tybalt returns to the square and Romeo angrily approaches him, stating that one or the other of them must go join Mercutio’s soul in heaven. ✓ Tybalt sneers that as Romeo “didst consort with him here" on Earth, he should “consort” with him in heaven. ✓ Both men draw their swords and begin to fight—Romeo fells Tybalt, who quickly dies. Notes -

Romeo falls for Tybalt’s provocation just as quickly as Mercutio did.

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The suggestion of homosexuality—an accusation which assaults both men’s masculinity and is an even further affront in light of Mercutio’s death—makes Romeo’s blood boil just as it did Mercutio’s.

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Romeo knows that his marriage to Juliet means that Tybalt is his kinsman now—but Mercutio was Romeo’s best friend, and he must draw the lines of his loyalty somewhere.

✓ Benvolio warns Romeo that the citizens of Verona have heard the fight and are coming. ✓ Prince Escalus will kill Romeo if he hears of what he’s done. ✓ Romeo, lamenting that he is “fortune’s fool,” quickly runs away.

✓ The citizens’ watch enters, looking to arrest the man who slayed Mercutio, and Benvolio points out Tybalt’s body on the ground. The prince enters with Montague, Capulet, and their wives. ✓ Lady Capulet screams and swoons over her dead kinsman, and the prince demands a detailed account of what has happened. ✓ Benvolio describes how Tybalt’s anger would not be calmed in spite of Romeo’s attempts to pacify him, then explains how the two brawls unfolded.

Notes -

Benvolio knows that Romeo did not provoke the fight and even tried to stop it, so he urges his kinsman to flee before he can incur the prince’s wrath.

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The prince, whose own kinsman Mercutio has been felled in this latest brawl, is furious and determined to find out what happened—and to punish whomever went against his last decree.

✓ Lady Capulet accuses Benvolio of lying to protect the Montagues. ✓ Prince Escalus asks if Romeo is responsible for Tybalt’s spilt blood. ✓ Montague begs the prince to spare his son’s life, and the prince agrees to merely exile Romeo. ✓ However, if the boy returns to Verona, he will be executed on the spot. ✓ Showing mercy to killers, he says, only leads to more murders. Notes -

Prince Escalus issued a decree in the play’s first act condemning anyone—Capulet or Montague—who disturbed Verona’s peace to death.

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Now, he is determined to make good on his promise, even if he knows that he cannot use the full weight of the law on Romeo, who was swept up in violence for which he didn’t ask...