Let us remember Act II scene 4, which basically features a
war of words between Mercutio and Romeo, with Mercutio using a series of highly
elaborate and funny puns to show his wit. He is a jester-type of character, who always
appears to have a smile and a laugh for whatever situation faces him. Even in his death
scene right up to his final plague on both of the houses, whose feud has led to his
death, he continues his tendency to pun and to laugh ironically about his own situation.
Note what he says:
Ask for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a
grave man. I am peppered, I warrant, for this
world.
Note the play on the
word "grave," refering both to the situation of his health, that is serious, but also
the fact that he predicts he will be in his grave tomorrow. Likewise, the phrase
"peppered" refers to having been given a deadly wound, but also peppered food that is
ready to eat, just as Mercutio is ready to die.
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