Discuss the dramatic function of the character Tybalt in
"Romeo and Juliet"
Tybalt, a Capulet and Juliet's cousin appears in only three scenes. Act 1 scene 1, Act 1 scene 5 and his third and final appearance Act 3 scene 1 which we see him in a typically aggressive mood. His name, Tybalt is the name of the cat in the traditional Reynard and Fox stories...hence Mercutio's name for him, 'Prince of Cats'.
In contrast to Mercutio and Benvolio, Tybalt is a relatively one-dimensional character. Nonetheless, Mercutio mistakes the true Tybalt when he describes him as belonging to the fashionable set of 'lisping affecting fantasticoes' act 2 sc 4, for Tybalt is a dangerous man. Tybalt appears first when Benvolio is endeavouring to separate the warring factions in Act1 sc1. He goes for his sword, rejecting Benvolios plea to 'keep the peace' ac1 sc1 a direct contrast for he's always trying to stop fights instead of making them like Tybalt. His response sums up Tybalt's personality always angry and wanting a fight. 'What, drawn, and talk of peace! I hate the word/As I hate hell, all Montagues and thee' ac1 sc1. Shakespeare portrays Tybalt to have a purpose, which shows a darker side to the play. Although romantic and love filled scenes have been revealed we also have a contrast of villainy, this adds excitement and frustration when watching Tybalt in the play. Without Tybalt's hot-tempered, vindictive, aggressive behaviour shown through out this play, the play would lack in contrast and hate. Tybalt represents mindless aggression, not backed up by any reason or thought. For example he immediately jumps to the conclusion that Romeo can only be at a Capulet party to cause trouble,and emmdatly gets out his sword 'to fleer and scorn at our solemnity' act1 sc5 'by the stock and honour of my kin,/ to strike him dead, I hold it not a sin' Act 1 sc 5. The cruel killing of Mercutio sparks of the final tragedy, as it becomes the cause of Romeos banishment when he seeks revenge.
"Romeo and Juliet"
Tybalt, a Capulet and Juliet's cousin appears in only three scenes. Act 1 scene 1, Act 1 scene 5 and his third and final appearance Act 3 scene 1 which we see him in a typically aggressive mood. His name, Tybalt is the name of the cat in the traditional Reynard and Fox stories...hence Mercutio's name for him, 'Prince of Cats'.
In contrast to Mercutio and Benvolio, Tybalt is a relatively one-dimensional character. Nonetheless, Mercutio mistakes the true Tybalt when he describes him as belonging to the fashionable set of 'lisping affecting fantasticoes' act 2 sc 4, for Tybalt is a dangerous man. Tybalt appears first when Benvolio is endeavouring to separate the warring factions in Act1 sc1. He goes for his sword, rejecting Benvolios plea to 'keep the peace' ac1 sc1 a direct contrast for he's always trying to stop fights instead of making them like Tybalt. His response sums up Tybalt's personality always angry and wanting a fight. 'What, drawn, and talk of peace! I hate the word/As I hate hell, all Montagues and thee' ac1 sc1. Shakespeare portrays Tybalt to have a purpose, which shows a darker side to the play. Although romantic and love filled scenes have been revealed we also have a contrast of villainy, this adds excitement and frustration when watching Tybalt in the play. Without Tybalt's hot-tempered, vindictive, aggressive behaviour shown through out this play, the play would lack in contrast and hate. Tybalt represents mindless aggression, not backed up by any reason or thought. For example he immediately jumps to the conclusion that Romeo can only be at a Capulet party to cause trouble,and emmdatly gets out his sword 'to fleer and scorn at our solemnity' act1 sc5 'by the stock and honour of my kin,/ to strike him dead, I hold it not a sin' Act 1 sc 5. The cruel killing of Mercutio sparks of the final tragedy, as it becomes the cause of Romeos banishment when he seeks revenge.
