Question

Why does Shakespeare include Mercutio’s teasing words?

to explain the history of the feuding families
to criticize Romeo’s neglect of his duties
to condemn the established ritual of sword fighting
to contrast the seriousness of Tybalt’s challenge

Answer 1

D) To contrast the seriousness of Tybalt's challenge

Answer 2

The correct answer is D) to contrast the seriousness of Tybalt’s challenge.

Shakespeare included Mercutio’s teasing words to contrast the seriousness of Tybalt’s challenge.

We are referring to the play “Romeo and Juliet”, written by William Shakespeare.  

Benvolio says “Tybalt, the kinsman of old Capulet. Hath sent a letter to his father house.

Mercutio answers “A change in my life.” Benvolio says that Romeo will answer it. Mercutio answers back saying “any man that can write can answer a letter.” Benvolio again says that Romeo will answer, at that moment is when Mercutio says the teasing words to contrast the seriousness of Tybalt’s challenge. “Alas. Poor Romeo. He is already dead; stabbed with a white wench’s black eye; shot through the ear with a love song, the very pin of his heart cleft with the blind bow-boy’s butt-shaft. And he is the man to encounter Tibalt?” So Shakespeare included Mercutio’s teasing words to contrast the seriousness of Tybalt’s challenge.