The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 14.0895  Friday, 9 May 2003

From:           Tue Sorensen <
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Date:           Friday, 9 May 2003 03:53:50 +0200
Subject:        Mercutio = Marlowe?

Mercutio is endlessly punning on "stab". Instead of simply reading this
as bawdry, can one not make the argument that Mercutio is supposed to be
a portrayal of Marlowe, who by the time Romeo and Juliet was written had
recently been stabbed to death? In fact, might one not go so far as to
suggest that the relationship of Romeo and Mercutio is a detailed
description of that of Shakespeare and Marlowe? This seems to make a lot
of sense to me. Even if it is the case, the exact degree of detail is of
course subject to speculation. Could Shakespeare have been present in
the very tavern; in the very brawl where Marlowe met his end?

Does anyone know if a connection between Mercutio and Marlowe has been
suggested before? I have not come across the idea thus far.

- Tue Sorensen

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