Romeo And Juliet Responsible For Tybalt's Death

Who or what is responsible for the death of Tybalt Capulet in The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare? In The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, the antagonist is a character named Tybalt. Tybalt is married into the Capulet family and is the cousin of Juliet. Tybalt dies in act three of the play, but what brings about his death? The causes of Tybalt’s death are his own pride and ego, his duel with Romeo, and Mercutio’s death.

Firstly, Tybalt’s death was caused by his unwavering pride and ego. When we are greeted with this character in act one, Tybalt is disgusted by the sight of Romeo, who is a Montague, at his party for Capulet’s. Tybalt’s first instinct is to begin a sword fight with Romeo and is quickly told off by his uncle. Lord Capulet says,“Therefore be patient. Take no note of him (1.5.70).” Tybalt obeyed his uncle’s wishes at the party, but he still had the desire to challenge Romeo. Seeing that Tybalt was dubbed the best swordsman in Verona, he believed that anyone he challenged he could defeat. This confidence led him to a battle that he did not win.

Tybalt’s first attempt challenging Romeo ended with the death of Romeo’s best friend Mercutio. Romeo did not wish to fight Tybalt because they were now family. Romeo says, “Tybalt, the reason that I have to love thee. Doth much excuse the appertaining rage. To such a greeting. Villain am I none.Therefore, farewell. I see thou know’st me not (3.1.33-36).” Tybalt, ignorant about the marriage of Romeo and Juliet, still wishes to challenge Romeo but instead ends up dueling and killing Mercutio. Romeo, devastated by the loss of his closest companion, challenges Tybalt, “Staying for thine to keep him company. Either thou or I, or both must go with him (3.1.90-91).” Romeo is unafraid of death making him a very dangerous opponent for Tybalt to battle. Nonetheless, the two fight and Tybalt’s life is