romeo and juliet ACT 2 scene 4

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.