Question
Mercutio says “vile submission” (3.1.43) because
I know this because the text also says
7th grade
I know this because the text also says
7th grade
Answers
GPT-4o mini
In Act 3, Scene 1 of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," Mercutio uses the phrase "vile submission" to express his disdain for what he sees as cowardice or weakness in refusing to fight. He is frustrated with Romeo because Romeo refuses to engage in a duel with Tybalt after secretly marrying Juliet, which makes Mercutio feel that Romeo is being overly submissive and not standing up for his honor.
The text shows that Mercutio values honor and bravery highly; when he says "vile submission," it indicates that he thinks it's disgraceful for someone to back down from a fight, especially when it involves defending one's name. Mercutio believes that real men should be ready to stand up for themselves rather than avoid conflict, which is why he uses that strong language.
By this, we understand that Mercutio's attitude reflects the strong social expectations of masculinity and honor during that time, and his words set the stage for the conflict that unfolds shortly after. When he challenges Tybalt himself, it escalates the situation, leading to tragic consequences.
The text shows that Mercutio values honor and bravery highly; when he says "vile submission," it indicates that he thinks it's disgraceful for someone to back down from a fight, especially when it involves defending one's name. Mercutio believes that real men should be ready to stand up for themselves rather than avoid conflict, which is why he uses that strong language.
By this, we understand that Mercutio's attitude reflects the strong social expectations of masculinity and honor during that time, and his words set the stage for the conflict that unfolds shortly after. When he challenges Tybalt himself, it escalates the situation, leading to tragic consequences.