This is where the scene splits into four separate sections. The first of the sections is Mercutio and Tybalt are arguing between themselves about Romeo. Romeo refused to fight Tybalt. Romeo doesn’t believe he can fight with Tybalt because they are now family. Even though they are family, Romeo can’t tell Tybalt about his marriage to Juliet because of the family feud between the Montague’s and the Capulet’s. “Tybalt, the reason that I have to love thee doth much excuse the appertaining rage” (line 58). This further develops the theme of love and hate within the play. Romeo now has a new found love for Tybalt as they are now family however this leads Tybalt to respond aggressively. The contrast in language clearly displays this theme.
The second section is where the argument between Tybalt and Mercutio reaches a climax ending in the death of Mercutio. Even though Mercutio is close to death he still remains himself by joking at his injury. “Ay, ay, a scratch, a scratch. Marry, ‘tis enough. Where’s my page? Go Villain, fetch a surgeon.” (Line 90-91) This is another good time in the play as it is when Mercutio realise that his life isn’t a laughing matter anymore, he has now become angry. Also Mercutio is continuing the theme of Tybalt being a cat however it is ironic that Tybalt takes Mercutios life when Mercutio previously had mocked about taking one of Tybalts nine lives. Mercutio declares “a plague o’ both your houses.” (Line 88) this is acting as a prophecy as we discover at the end of the play through the death of Romeo and Juliet.
The next section that the scene splits into is the fight between Romeo and Tybalt. Romeos character changes at the death of Mercutio, as he now wants revenge. “Now Tybalt, take the ‘villan back again that late thou gav’st me, for Mercutio’s soul is but a little way above our heads,” (line 123) Romeo has now gone from being loving and passionate, to continuing the theme of disorder that reappears through the play. Tybalt again try’s Romeos patience by saying “Thou wretched boy, that didst consort him here, shalt with him hence.” (Line 126-127) This is implying that Tybalt will kill Romeo too. Romeo replies by saying “this shall determine that” (Line 128) as he stabs him leaving Tybalt dead on the ground.
The final section the scene is when the Prince, the Montague’s, the Capulet’s and their wives all turn up on the scene. Straight away Benvolio stays calm, he explains to the Prince what has happened. At this point Lady Capulet displays her anger towards Romeo she clearly states she wants Romeo dead. “Romeo must not live.” (Line 177) This relates to Mercutio’s comment where he says about putting a plague of both houses and this is fulfilled as now Romeo and Juliet will never be happy. The play from this point seems to have moved away from disorder and turmoil, as Romeo is banished by the prince of Verona making his punishment fair but death would probably been easier for Romeo because he would now have to live with the pain of a broken heart.
Act three, scene one is a very important scene because it involves Mercutio’s and Tybalts death and the banishment of Romeo from Verona. Romeo was married to Juliet in the previous scene as well
Overall, this scene is extremely important in the play and is a turning point leading to the fate of the families, but mainly the fates of Romeo and Juliet. There fate is tragic as they both take their own lives because they think each other is dead. However the death of the people in the families stops them feuding. The Princes words at the end of the scene interests and involves the audience because he is saying he’s had enough punishment being separated from Juliet, and the audience wants to know how they will see each other again. The scene is interesting because its based around events that can happen in real life and is a classic example of the general ideas of the play.