Mercutio In William Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

In the play, The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, written by William Shakespeare one of the most beloved characters is Mercutio. He is best known for his “Queen Mab” speech and his dying words: “I am hurt. A plague o' both your houses! I am sped. Is he gone, and hath nothing?” (Romeo and Juliet 3.1.90-92) In order to understand how significant his closing remarks are one must have an understanding of his character and why he utters those dying words. Mercutio gets wrapped up in the feud even though he is not apart of either family. He is loyal and devoted to his friends, especially to Romeo. All of his greatest and weakest attributes are observed through his friendship with Romeo but it is this friendship that will lead to his demise.
First, Mercutio has a strong sense of honor. He can't understand Romeo's refusal to fight Tybalt. Mercutio states, ”O

While Mercutio and Tybalt were fighting, Romeo wanted to make peace. Romeo states,“Draw, Benvolio; beat down their weapons. Gentlemen, for shame! Forbear this outrage! Tybalt, Mercutio, the Prince expressly hath forbid this bandying in Verona streets Hold, Tybalt! Good Mercutio!” (3.1.83-87). Romeo says this line to stop the fight and keep the peace, but he is rewarded with the opposite effect. Romeo soon kills Tybalt which leads to more fighting and death.
Mercutio’s pride is the final attribute which leads to his death. Tybalt says he'll fight if Mercutio gives him a reason. Mercutio taunts him by asking if he can't find a reason on his own. Mercutio is trying to pick a fight, but he doesn't quite succeed. Tybalt says, "Mercutio, thou consort'st with Romeo,--" (3.1.45), he is interrupted by Mercutio's exclamation, "Consort! what, dost thou make us minstrels?" (3.1.46). This excerpt shows us that Mercutio’s pride played into his death. When Tybalt comes to ask where Romeo is, he, not being patient, tells him not to only talk with him but to also