Question

When Mercutio dies Romeo is angry with himself and says that he has turned "effeminate" (having traits that are traditionally female-soft, not violent), why does he say this?

Answer 1

Romeo calls himself 'effeminate' after Mercutio's death because he feels that his love for Juliet has made him weak and unable to prevent his friend's death, which goes against the traditional expectations of masculine aggression.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Mercutio dies in Romeo and Juliet, Romeo feels he has become "effeminate" because he believes his love for Juliet has made him soft and weakened his resolve to act with the decisive violence traditionally expected of men in his society. He uses the term to chastise himself for not being able to prevent Mercutio's death and for being indirectly responsible due to his inaction and attempt to defuse the situation peacefully. The label of 'effeminate' is a reflection of the gender norms of the era, where men were expected to be aggressive and unyielding.