Mercutio and Romeo: Contrasting Views of Love In Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, the interpretations of love held by the character Romeo contrast markedly with Mercutio's views. Mercutio is very dramatic and hot-headed. His perceptions are vibrant and hasty, classified by detailed thought and cautious evaluation. Romeo, ideal for his character, begins his entry into the comedy by feeling sorry for himself in his depression for Rosaline who does not reciprocate his love: ROMEO. Because, such is the transgression of love. My pains lie heavy in my chest, which you will propagate to make it press with more of yours. This love you have shown adds more pain to too much of mine. Love is a smoke made from the smoke of sighs; Being purified, a sparkling fire in the eyes of lovers; Being irritated, a sea nourished with loving tears. is it something else? A very discreet madness, a suffocating gall and a sweet that preserves. Goodbye, my cousin. (1. 1. 192-202) The references Romeo uses to “fire” and “sea” portray more desire than love. Romeo visualizes himself distorted to his situation, “Adds more pain to too much of mine” (1.1.196). He is shown to be filled with self-pity and forgives only to forgive his faults because he is still quite young. However, if Romeo were an older character, I think the audience wouldn't forgive him for being heartbroken over Rosaline so easily. Mercutio's stubbornness helps create a contrast that Romeo can be ingratiated with.MERCUTIO. And sink into it if I should burden love... Too great oppression for a tender thing.ROMEO. Is love a tender thing? It's too rude, too rough, too loud, and it pricks like a thorn. (1.4.23-26)The presentation of Romeo's love i...... middle of the sheet ......eo, bonjour. There's a French greeting for your French slop. You gave us the counterfeit fair and square last night. (2.4.39-47)Higher in the passage, the opening line ends with 'flesh, flesh' which shows the realism displayed by Mercutio. He refers to Romeo being empowered, consumed, and conquered by love by comparing it to a “dried herring.” In conclusion, Romeo and Mercutio have different views on love, thinking that their representation is greater than the other. It's quite difficult because none of their perspectives saved them from death. These two characters display superior dramatic contrasts to each other and bring a sympathetic picture of the events within the play. Shakespeare used characters a lot to describe how even though the characters might have a strong friendship, their opinions on certain issues would always remain different.