Read the dialogue found in Act II, scene iii of Romeo and Juliet. Romeo: Good morrow to you both. What counterfeit did I give you? Mercutio: The slip, sir, the slip; can you not conceive? Romeo: Pardon, good Mercutio, my business was great; and in such a case as mine a man may strain courtesy. Mercutio: That’s as much as to say, such a case as yours constrains a man to bow in the hams. Romeo: Meaning—to curtsy. Mercutio: Thou hast most kindly hit it. Romeo: A most courteous exposition. Mercutio: Nay, I am the very pink of courtesy. How does the wordplay in these lines affect the mood? It creates a sentimental mood as Mercutio hears all about Romeo’s new romance. It creates a thoughtful mood as Romeo encourages his friend to be more courteous. It creates an unsettled mood as Mercutio questions Romeo seriously about his absence. It creates a mischievous mood as Mercutio and Romeo banter about Romeo’s disappearance
