Why does Shakespeare include Mercutio's teasing words?

Answer: to contrast the seriousness of Tybalt's challenge.

if i could get brainliest that would be great

Explanation:

Mercutio answers "A change in my life." Benvolio says that Romeo will answer it. Mercutio answers back saying "any man that can write can answer a letter." Benvolio again says that Romeo will answer, at that moment is when Mercutio says the teasing words to contrast the seriousness of Tybalt's challenge. "Alas. Poor Romeo. He is already dead; stabbed with a white wench's black eye; shot through the ear with a love song, the very pin of his heart cleft with the blind bow-boy's butt-shaft. And he is the man to encounter Tibalt?" So Shakespeare included Mercutio's teasing words to contrast the seriousness of Tybalt's challenge.

To explain the history of the feuding families. to criticize Romeo's neglect of his duties. to condemn the established ritual of sword fighting