'Lady, Lady, Lady'
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Act 2, Scene 4, lines 115-142
Although the previous passages were fairly similar in content, this particular passage contains a complete change in structure, which could ultimately affect how this scene is performed. In the 1599 edition, Mercutio’s “An old hare hoar” speech is in prose, similar to the other lines within this scene. There are no stage directions to explain how these lines should be performed, nor any explanations on what the actor playing Mercutio’s tone of voice or attitude should be. The 1599 edition is completely ambiguous and is a matter of how the director and actor choose to execute this scene. On the other hand, in the 2017 edition, Mercutio’s speech is set up as a poem in AABAAB rhyme scheme. Since it provides stage directions that conduct Mercutio to sing, the actor often carries out this portion of the scene in a singsong, mocking tone of voice—since he is poking fun of the Nurse. Over the years, these changes in stage directions paired with playfully singing on stage could have possibly resulted in this portion of the play being much more energetic and lively versus the previous edition that was in prose, which is often not as animated as poetry. Further, the stage directions also guide Mercutio to sing “Lady, lady, lady” as he and Benvolio exit the stage. This act of singing even as he exits the stage creates a light-hearted mood and continues to amuse the audience as Mercutio jests with the Nurse.