Tybalt reacts saying 'i am for you.' At the sight of the two of them fighting Romeo tries to stop them fighting, in that moment Tybalt stabs Mercutio under Romeo's arm. Mercutio reacts, shouting 'A plague on both your houses.' To show his courage he hides his true emotion from everyone saying 'A scratch, a scratch.' Romeo reassures Mercutio 'Courage man, the hurt cannot be much.' Mercutio explains that he will die and that the feuding between the houses has caused his demise. Romeo at this point feels full extent of guilt and responsibility for Mercutio's death. Romeo goes after Tybalt. Benvolio tries to comfort Romeo saying 'That gallant spirit hath aspired to the clouds.' Romeo enraged by the situation confronts Tybalt. 'Either thou, or I, or both must go with him,' Romeo and Tybalt fight bitterly, Tybalt is left dead. Romeo stands back in shock about what he has done. Benvolio warns Romeo saying that he should go before he is killed. Romeo is filled with guilt and rage, 'O, I am fortune's fool!' 'Why dost thou stay?' and Romeo Flees.
Romeo in this scene shows many emotions. When he enters the scene we see him, stop Mercutio and Tybalt from fighting. Due to his marriage to Juliet, Romeo is forced to show respect to Tybalt even though he is angered to see him. 'Doth much excuse the appertaining rage to such a greeting.' This shows the audience that Romeo has love and respect towards the Capulets. Romeo tries to explain to Tybalt that he never hurt him but love him. 'And so, good Capulet, - which name I tender as dearly as my own.' This shows true love and respect for the Capulets, by saying that he respects as his own name. When Mercutio and Tybalt are fighting Romeo tries to break up the fighting. Romeo is shocked when Mercutio is stabbed. He tries to comfort him 'Courage, man; the hurt cannot be much.' Romeo is burdened with the guilt of Mercutio's death. 'I thought all for the best.' Romeo expresses his guilt towards the audience; ' My very friend hath got his mortal hurt in my behalf.' Romeo also says that the love for Juliet has made him weak. Romeo is comforted by Benvolio, but when he sees Tybalt he is enraged. 'And fine-eyed fury be my conduct now!' Romeo then challenges him and says 'Either thou, or I, or both must go with him.' Romeo and Tybalt battle fiercely and Tybalt ends up dead. Romeo struck with grief and more guilt. 'O, I am fortunes fool.' In this scene the character Romeo also shows rage and hate after Mercutio's death. This shows the audience that Romeo is willing to love a fellow Capulet, but not stand for the killing of a friend.
Mercutio is a humorous and vital character, being a friend of Romeo's he has his best interests at heart. In this scene we see him fighting with Tybalt which later causes his demise. When Mercutio is stabbed he curses, 'A plague on both your houses!' When Benvolio asks him are you hurt, Mercutio hides his true pain. 'Ay, ay, a scratch, a scratch, marry 'tis enough!' Mercutio creates drama for the audience, as they believe that he is ok and that he does not need help. He also creates drama before the stabbing when he is taunting Tybalt. 'A plague on both your houses.' Mercutio repeats this line portraying to the audience, that his demise was caused by the feuding. Mercutio gives the audience the impression that he is funny and that he is willing to protect his friends. Mercutio is humorous as he mocks Tybalt as 'Good king of cats' and 'Rat-catcher'
In this scene Tybalt is shown at the start with rage and anger. He asks Mercutio if he has seen Romeo and Mercutio is up in his face asking for a fight. Tybalt gives the audience the impression that he is a villainous character, just out for revenge. 'Boy this shall not excuse the injuries that thou hast done to me;' Tybalt provokes the attack by saying, 'Thou art a villain,' cursing Romeo. He is also ready for a fight, when Mercutio is mocking him he says, 'I am for you.' Tybalt creates drama, as he is angry with Romeo who does not want to fight. Tybalt creates tension between him and Mercutio when arguing.
Shakespeare uses very descriptive language and metaphors. The language makes the speech more dramatic and powerful. 'A plague on both your houses!' This shows how the feuding between the houses as a plague. Shakespeare also uses language to his advantage when scenes of tension are present. 'Ay, ay, a scratch.' This shows Mercutio hiding his true emotion. The use of language gives greater emotion and feeling towards the play.
This scene is important as most of the tension is built up and released in a violent battle. This eventually shown when Mercutio dies. Romeo filled with revenge and hatred kills Tybalt in a violent struggle between them. Romeo is banished putting pressure on the marriage, which did not have time to bloom. This leads to Romeo not receiving the message about Juliet. This results in both Romeo and Juliet dying. The tension created by the scene makes up for the eventuality of the cruel and tragic end.
Shakespeare creates drama and tension for the audience by the use of language, stagecraft and the plot of the story. There are all present in the fight scene, which shows the eventuality of the scenes to come. Shakespeare also uses the story line of feuding families and the two loves struck children of these two families. This creates drama and tension throughout the play leading to a tragic end.