Romeo and Juliet

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"Romeo and Juliet" is a play written by William Shakespeare about love, friendship, and tragedy. The story is set in Verona, Italy where two people fall in love. However, the two lovers, Romeo and Juliet, are from families who despise each other. Romeo is dead-set on marrying Juliet, to the point where he'd do anything for her. This becomes a dangerous factor because he is also extremely impatient. Romeo's friend, Mercutio, has more of a level head which amplifies Romeo's flaws. Mercutio's realistic mindset highlights Romeo's dreamy, romantic thinking. Mercutio's common sense magnifies Romeo's impatience that ends up killing him in the end. The comparison of the two characters brings out the imperfections of our tragic hero, Romeo. Shakespeare uses Mercutio as a foil to Romeo. They are alike in many ways in the way that they talk and their conclusions. Their characters are lively and excessively dramatic in the way that they speak and act. Romeo and Mercutio also meet the same end, both because of Romeo. They also have numerous differences that show their behavioral and personality distinction. Mercutio has a way of thinking that is partially negative but more rational than Romeo's impatient, love-seeking mind. The comparison shows common sense [Mercutio] as opposed to impatient and impractical [Romeo]. They are similar and different at the same time but it helps us better understand Romeo as a character when we see him compared to Mercutio. Despite their differences, the fates of these two friends are similarly disastrous. Both of their lives were wasted as a consequence of Romeo's impatience. As he was dying, Mercutio spoke out in anger towards Romeo, "Why the devil came you between us? I was hurt under your arm." (P. 124) Romeo's impatience also provoked himself to commit suicide because he could not wait for Juliet. If he'd only waited a few moments, they would have been reunited; "Here's to my love! [Drinks.] O true apothecary! Thy drugs are quick. Thus with...
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