Romeo and Juliet

        Tybalt is definitely the epitome of the antipathy between the two families. He is the main troublemaker between the two families. He goes out of his way to find the Montague’s and start a fight. The way he dresses symbolises his attitude. He wears dark, Flesh-showing clothes to show off his muscles. He has a goatee and jet black hair which shows his evilness. To look at him you feel scared, petrified and nervous. His words he uses are short and sharp, He has a quick tongue that can catch you out. His voice is deep and harsh which to hear makes you realize he is not interested in peace. He is too young and quick-tempered to even think of peace. Tybalt is a good swordsman, very graceful like a dancer. He cares a lot about his reputation and will do anything to get more praise and more followers. He is not the character who would build the bridge between the two families. He is more likely to kill the glimmer of hope with a single swipe of the sword rather than talk of peace.

Act 3 Scene 1

Tybalt arrives, looking for Romeo. Mercutio insults him and tries to provoke a fight. Benvolio warns them that people are watching. He seems to remember that anyone caught fighting in the streets again will be sentenced to death. Tybalt, however is not interested in fighting with Mercutio. As soon as Romeo arrives Tybalt insults Romeo and challenges him to a fight. But Romeo who is now married to Juliet. Tybalt is now his cousin by marriage. He does not want to get into a fight with him and refuses to become upset by Tybalt’s insults. Mercutio is horrified by Romeo’s response and calls it calm, dishonourable and vile submission.

At the beginning of the scene Mercutio and Benvolio are on the streets. They are hot and are scared of being in a fight with the Capulets. Tybalt enters the scene with his followers. He walks on slowly and powerfully. Everybody looks at him, he has a scowl on his face and looks around for Romeo. His followers are behind him to show he is the leader. Tybalt asks for a word with one of the Montague’s. Mercutio is trying to look cool to his friend and acts like he doesn’t care about the Capulet’s being there. Tybalt is not moved by Mercutio’s actions and stays calm. Romeo enters the scene and Tybalt gives him an evil glare and snarls. Tybalt straight away insults Romeo. He emphasises the line

                            “No better term than this: thou art a villain.”

Romeo is not stirred by what Tybalt is saying to him that angers him even more. He stamps his foot and sweat dribbles down his face. He gives Romeo a piercing glare. Romeo tries speaking of peace and tries talking Tybalt out of the fight. Mercutio joins in the conversation and drives Tybalt wild, Tybalt acts like a wild animal he is ready for a fight. The sweat drips down his face and he clutches onto the sword handle. He draws his sword with one elegant movement and his eyes glisten for he knows he is a good swordsman.  Mercutio and Tybalt fight, Tybalt is graceful and looks like every movement is a dance movement. He stares straight into Mercutio’s eyes to give him the feeling of power. Romeo comes in between them and Tybalt stabs Mercutio from behind. Tybalt looks shocked at what he has done and runs away and does not look back. His entire followers disciple him. Mercutio is dying and blames Romeo for his wounds. Mercutio goes on blaming the two feuding families for his wounds. Tybalt returns. He threatens Romeo with death. He is certain that he is going to kill Romeo. Tybalt and Romeo fight, Tybalt is not quite as graceful as before and seems to draw back a little. Romeo kills Tybalt and is very distraught with what he has done. Tybalt falls backwards with the sword still inside him, he holds onto the wound and keeps his eyes on Romeo. The look on Tybalt’s face sends Romeo into a trip of guilt.