Read the dialogue found in Act II, scene iv of Romeo and Juliet.
Romeo: Good morrow to you both. What counterfeit did I give you?
Mercutio: The slip, sir, the slip; can you not conceive?
Romeo: Pardon, good Mercutio, my business was great; and in such a case as mine a man may strain courtesy.
Mercutio: That’s as much as to say, such a case as yours constrains a man to bow in the hams.
Romeo: Meaning—to curtsy.
Mercutio: Thou hast most kindly hit it.
Romeo: A most courteous exposition.
Mercutio: Nay, I am the very pink of courtesy.
How does the wordplay in these lines affect the mood?
It creates a sentimental mood as Mercutio hears all about Romeo’s new romance.
It creates a thoughtful mood as Romeo encourages his friend to be more courteous.
It creates an unsettled mood as Mercutio questions Romeo seriously about his absence.
It creates a mischievous mood as Mercutio and Romeo banter about Romeo’s disappearance.
