The theme of death in Romeo & Juliet

The theme of death is portrayed many times by the characters Mercutio, Romeo, and Juliet. The first instance of this theme was in act 3 when Mercutio challenged Tybalt to a sword fight. 'Ask for me tomorrow, and you shall find a grave man.'(3.1.104) Also as Mercutio is dying he says 'Help me into some house, Benvolio, Or I shall Faint.' (3.1.113.) Both quotes show how Mercutio partook in the death theme. In Act 5, Romeo …

…sheath; there rust, and let me die. [She stabs herself and falls.]' (5.4.169-170) shows her following through. All these quotes show how the theme death was portrayed by the characters Mercutio, Romeo, and Juliet in the play Romeo and Juliet. This theme was very important to the play for it is the core of the tragedy and helps to heighten the emotional sensitivity of the characters which helps accelerate the pace of the plot.