Who Is To Blame In Romeo And Juliet Essay

The troubles that we witness in Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare, is something that can not be blamed on one family. It has to be blamed on a single person. That person is Tybalt, nephew to Lady Capulet and cousin of Juliet. Tybalt did many things in order to “stir the pot” and cause unrest. For instance, Tybalt wants to kill Romeo at the ball held by the Capulets. He also kills Mercutio, which leads Romeo to become explicitly upset, and Romeo kills Tybalt, eventually being banished. At the dance, Romeo was recognized by Tybalt, and Tybalt was immediately livid. He was willing to kill him without regret. It says in the book, “To strike him dead I hold it not a sin.” (Shakespeare 393). Tybalt was talking to Capulet at the time, but Capulet said to him, “Content thee, gentle coz, let him alone.” (Shakespeare 393). Capulet did not want to get in trouble and he did not want the party to be ruined. This gives Tybalt a certain itch, and he has to use severe self control in order for him not to attack Romeo, so when he does, it is much more explosive.

Romeo was trying to protect both of them, but ended up not being able to save Mercutio. He was trying to save Tybalt because they were family now, as a result of Romeo marrying Juliet. Because Romeo is furious, he kills Tybalt. Benvolio, who is standing by, becomes distraught, and he tells Romeo to run. “Romeo, away, be gone! The citizens are up, and Tybalt slain. Stand not amazed. The Prince will doom thee death If thou art take. Hence, be gone, away!” (Shakespeare 429). Prince Escalus, who was the Prince of Verona, said before that he would execute anyone who killed another man, so Romeo had to leave Verona in order to survive. If Tybalt had just left Mercutio alone, then Romeo wouldn’t have been