Foiled Again!
(A discussion of the theme of foils in Act III)
There are a myriad of themes in Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. The very opening lines of the drama suggest violence, kismet, and romance. In Act I alone there is a proliferation of the theme of soulmates, as when Romeo first sees the prepossessing Juliet, he falls deeply in love with the girl despite never conversing with her. The motif of marriage, as well as the message that no one may blatantly defy destiny, are contained in the second act of the play. While accompanied by various others, the theme of foils abounds in Act III. A foil is elucidated by the definition of a pair of characters with opposing agendas or personality traits, which often show when they
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This act shows that Romeo does truly possess an explosive temper. In addition, this scene indisputably illustrates the fact that Tybalt is devoted to his family. Resuming with the Capulet tradition, Tybalt loathes the Montagues without a proper reason. He knows only that this house is a rival to his own, and that is enough basis for him to actively contest them. Because of this, Tybalt involves himself in two fatal altercations with Montague supporters. In the first conflict, he battles Mercutio, an adept relative of the Prince of Verona. If Tybalt manages to slay this young man, his death would be imminent. Escalus, upon hearing of his relation’s demise, would call for the murder’s head. The Capulet also engages Romeo in a fight. The young Montague’s favored comrade has just been killed, and Romeo wants an atonement to be made for this. He takes matters into his own hands and answers Mercutio’s murder with the Capulet’s death. Prior to this, the Prince stated that if another violent quarrel broke out among the pugnacious Montagues and Capulets, lives would be forfeited. Tybalt knows this, and yet he disturbs the tranquility of the streets of Verona a second time. Therefore, Tybalt is exceedingly loyal to his family, the