In Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," Romeo convinces the Apothecary to sell him poison by appealing to the Apothecary's desperate economic situation and by presenting an argument that emphasizes his own dire circumstances.
Romeo first underscores the Apothecary's poverty by pointing out that he looks gaunt and starved, saying, "No man so vile, that his means are better." He recognizes that the Apothecary is in a troubled state, highlighting that even a good person might resort to illegal actions out of necessity. Romeo continues by stating that wealth is what keeps a man from being forced into desperate measures, implying that the Apothecary’s poverty justifies the act of selling poison, despite it being against the law.
Furthermore, Romeo insists that he has an urgent need for the poison: “I do beseech you, sir, have patience; your part in this will make us both rich.” Here, he emphasizes the mutual benefit of the transaction, as he offers a significant payment for the poison, implying that this act could alleviate the Apothecary's financial struggles.
Through these arguments, Romeo effectively persuades the Apothecary to overlook his moral and legal obligations by connecting with his plight and offering a solution to his desperate situation. This interaction underlines the themes of desperation and the moral ambiguities faced by characters within the narrative.