When Mercutio sees Nurse in the town square he makes fun of her. Why do you think Shakespeare includes this scene in the play? What effect does it have>

This is largely for comic effect. Mercutio baits the Nurse with sexual innuendo and the Nurse reacts with her fiery temper. Shakespeare also develops the character of Mercutio further. He is shown as a clever talking, boorish young man who likes to make a scene. The Nurse is developed as well as a feisty woman who refuses to shirk away from an insult.