Question

Read the dialogue found in Act II, scene iv 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.

Answer 1

It creates a mischievous mood as Mercutio and Romeo banter about Romeo’s disappearance.

The quick puns and playful misunderstandings (the “slip,” “strain courtesy,” “bow in the hams,” “curtsy,” “pink of courtesy”) keep the tone teasing and witty rather than serious or sentimental.