Romeo and Juliet is a timeless and iconic play written by the very talented William Shakespeare. A tale of two star-cross’d lovers who met a tragic death by their own hands. However, could there be someone else who played a role in their deaths besides themselves? This is a question not commonly asked by teachers and students. I think there is! Out of the many people who could be suspects in their deaths the one who I feel is most to blame is Tybalt, Juliet’s cousin.
As early as Act I Scene 1 we see that Tybalt is very headstrong. He is very stubborn and not afraid to fight, nor pick a fight. He also has a very deep hatred for the Montague’s because of their long standing feud. In this particular scene Sampson, Gregory, Abraham, and Benvolio, are all in the street about to fight. However, Benvolio steps in and tries to keep the peace and be the mediator. Just as Benvolio makes this move and draws his sword, Tybalt
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He has come to talk to Romeo about Juliet and how Romeo has wronged him. Finally Romeo arrives and Tybalt begins to talk to him and insult him. Tybalt tells Romeo … “Boy, this will not excuse the wrong you’ve done to me. Turn around and draw your sword.” (III, 1, 62-63) Romeo refuses and does not wish to fight Tybalt because he knows how it could end. Unfortunately Tybalt keeps on until Mercutio agrees to fight. Tybalt and Mercutio fight and before long Tybalt kills Mercutio. This leaves Romeo furious at Tybalt and Romeo finally gives in and fights Tybalt. Finally, Tybalt dies by Romeo’s hand. “Tybalt is dead…” (III, 2, 71) When the Prince hears of this disaster he banishes Romeo and leaves Juliet in deep despair. “Romeo killed Tybalt, and he is banished.” (III, 2, 72) When Juliet’s parents see the state Juliet is in they think that if they arrange for her to marry Paris it will help with her grieving. They couldn’t have been more wrong about