Answer :
Final answer:
In Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', Mercutio is the character who says "A plague on both your houses" after losing a sword duel. Mercutio's famous line serves as a foreboding omen for the tragic events that follow, including the deaths of the titular characters. Option C is the correct answer.
Explanation:
In the renowned Shakespeare play Romeo and Juliet, the character who utters the famous phrase, "A plague on both your houses," after losing a sword duel is Mercutio. This line is one of the most memorable in the entire play, symbolizing Mercutio's disillusionment and anger towards the feuding families, the Capulets and the Montagues, whose rivalry ultimately leads to his untimely death. Throughout the play, his character serves as a close friend to Romeo and provides a lighter, more comedic perspective amidst the unfolding tragedy. However, his death marks a turning point in the play, transitioning from a story about young love to one shadowed by impending doom.
In the context of the play, Mercutio's cursing of the two houses is significant as it foreshadows the tragic events that are to follow, including the deaths of the two young lovers, Romeo and Juliet. As Mercutio is mortally wounded, he reflects on the senselessness of the feud and its consequences, echoing the theme of the destructive nature of such conflicts. Shakespeare's inclusion of this line adds depth to Mercutio's character, showcasing his wit even in the face of death, and underscores the play's central themes of fate, love, and the destructive power of hate.
The final answer to the question asked is option C) Mercutio.
