A tragedy can be defined as an event that has a saddening, negative effect on others. The play Romeo and Juliet can be considered a tragedy because their untimely deaths shake the city of Verona to its core. One may argue that all the characters in the play are to blame for the ultimate tragedy. However, three characters should take the most blame: Friar Lawrence, Tybalt, and Prince Escalus. Tybalt is one of the characters who should be held responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. As a Capulet, Tybalt has a burning hatred for Montagues. Tybalt’s hatred leads to multiple rash decisions which ultimately resulted in Romeo’s banishment. One of these decisions is Tybalt’s insistence on fighting Romeo. Tybalt “sent a letter to [Lord Montague]’s house,” (Shakespeare 104). The letter was a declaration to fight Romeo. Mercutio, Romeo’s friend, is angered by Tybalt’s actions and fights him. Tybalt kills Mercutio and an enraged Romeo then kills Tybalt. This event leads to Romeo’s banishment. Without Tybalt’s irrational hatred, the …show more content…
Prince Escalus is the prince of Verona and he is trying to keep the peace in his beloved city After a brawl in the streets, Prince Escalus declared a new law in which fighting in the streets will be punishable by death for all individuals involved. After the second brawl involving Tybalt, Mercutio, and Romeo, Prince Escalus offered an alternative punishment: banishment. Prince Escalus officially banishes Romeo. Even threatening him by saying, “When [Romeo] is found, that hour is his last,” (Shakespeare 152). Romeo’s banishment is essentially the root of the events that would occur later in the play. His banishment leads to irrational decisions and unfortunate deaths such as the sleeping and poison potions, Juliet and Romeo’s suicide, and Paris’ death. Some may argue that Prince Escalus’ decision to banish Romeo is the sole reason why Romeo and Juliet are no longer