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Act 3 scene 1 (Romeo and Juliet)
Mercutio and Tybalt fight
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Why does Mercutio die?
In 'Act 3, Scene 1', Mercutio dies during his duel with Tybalt after Romeo steps between them. This intervention granted Tybalt the chance to puncture Mercutio, implying how Romeo disturbs the natural flow of events. Romeo also refused to fight Tybalt, which lead to Mercutio–who isn't even a Montague–to come to defend his honour. When Mercutio asks "why the devil did you get between us", Romeo replies "I thought all for the best", hinting at his impulsive and rash behaviour that displayed itself when he first met Juliet. As Tybalt is the most comedic character, his death marks a turning point where tragedy begins to overcome the play. The event of his death triggers Romeo to slay Tybalt in a blind rage and despair for his friend.

"A plague o' both your houses!" What does Mercutio mean when he says this? What is Shakespeare's social comment?
When Mercutio says "A plague o' both your houses!", he is cursing the two houses, Montagues and Capulets, who have essentially caused his demise. He cries out this phrase multiple times, emphasising on his anguish. The noun 'plague' is quite extreme, suggesting his anger towards them, and is a metaphor representing distress. Even so, with the lethal epidemics of the era, this phrase holds severe resentment and deep insult. He wishes for them all to suffer horribly, even the Montagues who he had previously allied himself with. He is no longer supporting of their house, as he blames them for his death and how they "made worm's meat of [him]". Furthermore, he could be describing how the two houses are cursed by their old feud and the misery that is spreads.

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his shows the behavior between oth the families and problems regarding it have surpassed tremedously. weh the refusla atct
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commences he was angere d
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gngig gsl with tells us thta through the thick add thin there lies a heavy storm that will eventually kill them all a it is represented

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1) What does Mercutio think about Tybalt?

2) How does Romeo react to Mercutio's death?

3) Mercutio is the play’s most ‘comedic’ character. Why is it significant that he is the first character to die?

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1) WHAT DOES MERCUTIO THINK OF TYBALT?
Mercutio seems to think of Tybalt as rather unintelligent and doesn't see him as a serious threat. He constantly responds to Tybalt's statements (seemingly serious) with a joke, for example line 41 where he responds "Consort? What dost thou make us minstrels?...Here's my fiddlestick that shall make you dance" when Tybalt tells Mercutio he "consortest Romeo". He twists Tybalt's sentence into a pun on the verb "to consort" meaning "to go with, to accompany" and the noun "consort" meaning a musical group. Even knowing that Tybalt is easily triggered, he doesn't seem to mind irritating him and therefore doesn't mind the possibility of a fight, suggesting he believes he could win.

2) WHY WOULD TYBALT BE DISGUSTED BY ROMEO?
Tybalt is extremely patriotic towards his family and believes that the feud between the Montagues and Capulets cannot be resolved. By appearing at the Capulet's ball, he is disrespecting Tybalt's family by having the audacity to invade their house with no invitation and ontop of this, without punishment. To him it is a form of ridicule at the fact that can roam freely despite rivalry, therefore making the Capulets seem weak. By doing so, Romeo also betrays his own family by departing from them to enjoy and spend time at their foe, making it seem like he prefers the Capulets.

3) ROMEO IS THE PLAYS MOST 'COMEDIC' CHARACTER. WHAT IS SIGNIFICANT THAT HE IS THE FIRST TO DIE.
Mercutio served as comic relief throughout the beginning of the play. As a result his death signals the shift in mood and atmosphere from playful and comedic to gloomy and tragic. It is a catalyst for disaster which is evident in that not soon after it causes another death and hance the banishment of Romeo. Mercutio also states (just prior to his demise) that a curse shall be upon both families: "A plague o' both your houses". At the time (Elizabethan era), the audience believed in curses and therefore knew of the dangers it would bring to the rest of the play. Not only was Mercutio comedic, but anti-romantic in comparison to Romeo, commanding "If love be rough with you, be rough with love" to Romeo after describing his overwhelming anguish due to unrequited love. Previously, he provided advice to keep Romeo level-headed, yet with his cessation, no one can constrain him from commiting even the most extreme conduct in the name of love (such as death).

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1) Why does Romero refuse to fight Tybalt?

2) How does Romeo react to Mercutio's death? What is Shakespeare suggesting about Romeo's personality?

3) Mercutio is the play's most 'comedic' character. Why is it significant that he is the first character to die?

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WHY DOES ROMEO REFUSE TO FIGHT TYBALT?
Romeo refuses to fight Tybalt due to his secret marriage with Juliet. Romeo now views Tybalt as family, so he attempts to diffuse the fight. 'And so, good Capulet, which name I tender as dearly as mine own, be satisfied.' Because Romeo loves Juliet so much, he values her name as much as he values his own name.

WHY MIGHT MERCUTIO DECIDE HE NEEDS TO FIGHT TO FIGHT TYBALT?
Mercutio might have decided to fight Tybalt because he was insulting both Mercutio and Romeo. Additionally, Romeo was refusing to fight back and Mercutio was angry with this decision. This is supported by the line ' O calm, dishonourable, vile submission!' Both Mercutio and Tybalt did not know about Romeo and Juliet's secret marriage, therefore Mercutio sees Romeo's 'submission' as bringing shame upon the family name by not responding to Tybalt's challenge. Mercutio may think that this made Romeo look weak and 'dishonourable'. Therefore, Mercutio attempts to correct this by fighting Tybalt himself.

WHY IS IT SIGNIFICANT THAT MERCUTIO IS THE FIRST CHARACTER TO DIE?
This creates a turning point in the play. The play changes from comedy to tragedy as Mercutio, the most 'comedic' character, dies. Throughout the play before his death, Mercutio lifted the mood with inappropriate jokes and comical remarks. After his death, the tragic chain of events eventually leads to the deaths of both Romeo and Juliet.

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Challenge - Question 2: Why does Romeo refuse to fight Tybalt?​
Romeo refuses to fight Tybalt as Tybalt is Juliet's cousin. By fighting with Tybalt, Romeo is fighting with his cousin in law. He cannot reveal this as his reason during the scene as Romeo and Juliet got married in secret. This is suggested when Romeo tells Tybalt "But love thee better than thou canst devise,". This suggests that while Romeo cannot directly reveal why he does not want Tybalt to fight Mercutio, he still does not want them to fight. He loves Tybalt as a relative yet also wants to defend himself and his friend Mercutio. He needs to defend his family honour but also does not want to cause the death of a relative of Juliet.

Extra challenge - Question 5: How does Romeo react to Mercutio’s death? What is Shakespeare suggesting about Romeo’s personality?
Shakespeare suggests that Romeo does not take responsibility for his own actions and blames fate and bad luck for the mistakes he makes. After Mercutio dies, Romeo tells Tybalt that "Either thou or I, or both, must go with him." During this line Shakespeare could be implying that Romeo wanted revenge as he feels a sense of Rage and Anger towards Tybalt. He feels sorrowful as his best friend has died while protecting him and his family honour. Furthermore, this line suggests that Romeo is fully aware that his actions will cause the death of either him or Tybalt and that these actions of his will lead to negative consequences for him no matter what happens. If he kills Tybalt then he will be taken out of Verona yet if Tybalt is successful he will die. After killing Tybalt instead of blaming himself for the events that have just occurred he  blames fate and bad luck when he says "Oh, I am fortune’s fool!" From this line we can infer that Romeo is immature and that he is not taking responsibility for his own actions.

Mega challenge - question 2: Mercutio is the play’s most ‘comedic’ character. Why is it significant that he is the first character to die?
When Mercutio dies in act 3 scene 1 it is a very significant event as it symbolises a turning point in the play. The play will change and instead of being almost perfect and euphoric like it was in previous acts, it will now become dark and tragic. His death will trigger a series of events which will eventually lead to the death of many of the plays characters including Romeo and Juliet. Even in act 3 scene 1 his death has already resulted in the death of Tybalt (Juliet's cousin) and then the banishment of Romeo. Mercutio died due to the feud between the Capulets and the Montagues and in a way could also symbolise and represent what this feud was doing to the people in Verona during the time. It suggests that the feud took away the jovial and and comedic parts of society and replaced it with sorrow and misery.

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1- Why does Mercutio die?
Mercutio and Benvolio are approached by Tybalt, who desires to confront Romeo about his intrusion at the Capulet party. Mercutio, having been shown to enjoy taunting both his friends and his enemies, twists Tybalt's words to create jokes out of them Romeo takes it upon himself to mediate between the Montagues and Capulets after his marriage to Juliet.
2- Why might Mercutio decide he needs to kill Tybalt?
Tybalt insulted Romeo, Mercutio and Benvolio, and as a result, the Montague famiy

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1) Why does Romeo refuse to fight Tybalt?
Romeo refuses to fight Tybalt for two main reasons. The first being that Romeo is newly wed with Juliet meaning they are cousins in law however Tybalt does not know. This is clearly expressed in the line "Tybalt, the reason that I have to love thee" which implies that as much as Romeo wants to hate Tybalt he can't as it may affect their relationship. Also, Romeo will be in a state of euphoria after being married meaning he will be less inclined to fight.

2) Think about family honour. Why would Tybalt be disgusted by Romeo?
Tybalt does not know that Romeo and Juliet are now married. This is evident where he states "Boy, this shall not excuse" as he does not know the nature of Romeo's new approach. Also the word excuse further suggests that he is unknowing as he may thing he is disregarding family honour but doesn't realise Romeo is now a member of his family. Additionally, Romeo was at the Capulet party and was disregarded although a part of a rival family and he may want to show that he is brave. He may be thought as a family hero if he does go through and kill Romeo which would fulfil his need for honour. On the contrary, Romeo is still unable to state that he is married to Juliet as it may raise tensions and, in term, lead to his death.

3) Mercutio is the play’s most ‘comedic’ character. Why is it significant that he is the first character to die?
When Mercutio passes away in Act 3 Scene 1 it signifies the loss of immaturity in the play as the play becomes more sincere and less euphoric. This is evident as Mercutio states "May a plague curse both your families. I’m finished." as he takes a turn from his less comedic self and has matured. Not only does the main sense of joy in the play disappear but Romeo is exiled meaning his love can no longer continue as planned therefore the play is much more sincere. The euphoria and happily ever after also begins to disappear as we near their downfall and consequently at the end of the play the most sincere moment, the tragic double suicide.

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Why does Romeo refuse to fight Tybalt?
Romeo refuses to fight Tybalt because Tybalt is now Romeo's cousin in law and fighting Tybalt would either end in him dying or injuring Tybalt, either way . The prince is so angry over Tybalt's death that he doesn't want to see Romeo ever again. This demonstrates how Romeo has grown in his maturity since marrying Juliet in the line Romeo says to Tybalt where he states how ‘I do protest I never injured thee, But love thee better than thou canst devise’. He means he loves Tybalt as a relative because he has married Juliet. Romeo also says he loves Tybalt to try to convince him that he really doesn't want a fight: if you love a person you don't want to try to kill him. Romeo does not want to fight Tybalt both from the possibility of his loss of Juliet of either outcome of dueling. This means that the bonds of family are so strong in the Elizibithean era that an act such as even eloping into a riviling family can make you immune to dueling because family does not fight family, demonstrates the life of society in the Elizibithean era. In addition to this, Romeo’s wise words of not injuring someone if you truly love them, can be interpreted as Romeo taking in Friar Laurence’s wisdom into his actions by not killing Tybalt and explaining why.

How does Romeo react to Mercutio’s death? What does this show about his relatonship?

Romeo is distraught at the death of his friend, however loses his morals that Friar Laurence and Juliet instilled in him extremely quickly as he kills Tybalt for revenge. At first, Romeo is sorrowful for Mercutio’s death as although Mercutio may have made fun of Romeo and stood as the comedic figure in his life, he died trying to defend Romeo and his honour. If Romeo had simply dueled Tybalt, Mercutio would’nt’ve needed to fight for him and die - this brings Romeo extreme guilt and sorrow for Mercutio’s death. However, moments after Romeo feels nothing but pure hatred for Tybalt. He knows what it will mean if he kills Tybalt however he still carries our the muder to avenge Tybalt’s death. Romeo’s reaction of rage to Mercutio's death could have been amplified to such an extent due to the fact that he dies yelling "A plague o' both your houses!”, in the sense that Romeo interpretd Mercutio’s dying words of how he wants Tybalt to be plagued or punished, as a duty that Romeo must take upon himself to thank Mercutio. This implies how Romeo is still immature and foolish towards his morals and duties, Romeo blames it on ‘fate’ for him killing Tybalt, however it is likely however due to the deeply instilled structure of the Elizabithean era of the bonds you keep with friendship and family which fuels Romeo’s guilt for Mercutio’s death.

What does Mercutio’s death imply? Why is he the first to die?

Mercutio’s death was to imply the change in atmosphere of grief and sadness of the death from the joy and lust of Romeo and Juliet’s marriage. As Mercutio was the comedic character, his death signifies the end of comedy and happiness in the play as the tradgedy of more death follows in the second half of the play. Mercutio's final joke is known as ‘dark comedy’, which illustrates the significance of the recent violence and implies the devestation in the future. Mercutio jokingly asks how, "Ask for me tomorrow and you shall find me a grave man.” This dark humour was not common in the Elizabithean era and would have been very memorable as a surprising joke, however Shakespeare was known for his jokes and attutudes that were modern for his life. The significane of a dark pun instead as opposed to a normal or sexual joke that he commonly makes, creates an impact as it is the first in the play. However, due to his death it is also the last dark joke, implying how because it was such a significant joke yet it was also about death, signifies how his death is foreshadowing primarily no more humour as well as future death. Him being the first character to die demonstrates the lightheartedness of the play before, that was mainly from the humour Mercutio brought - his death is so significant ebcause without his humour and the consequence of his death brings about so much negativity that it strongly foreshasows the tradgdy yet to come in the play.

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1. Why might Mercutio decide he needs to fight Tybalt ?

Mercutio decides he needs to fight Tybalt as Tybalt directly insults Romeo and Mercutio . Mercutio deliberately misunderstands what Tybalt says. Here , we see that Mercutio is loyal towards his best friend as he stands up for him . This is implied in the line " O calm dishonourable, vile submission! ", When Romeo is called a 'villain' , by Tybalt , Romeo shakes off the insult as they both are now kin and responds to Tybalt's unkindness with calm words . Furthermore , Romeo , since he has been newly wed with Juliet , who is the love of his life , is in a state of euphoria , which means that he is an overwhelming feeling of happiness and joy . This means that he will have less reasons towards fighting Tybalt.

Mercutio is the play’s most ‘comedic’ character. Why is it significant that he is the first character to die?

This is quite significant because this is the point of the play in where the mood changes from comedy to tragedy as a main charecter , Mercutio dies . Furthermore , he connotes to comedy and was quite comedic throughout the entire play . This is could be an evidence of pathetic fallacy , as the play's mood will start to change . This is evident in the play where Shakespeare writes " A plague o' both your houses! I am sped.

Is he gone and hath nothing?" , which shows the loss of comedic value and more of a serious-like structure .

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What does Tybalt think of Romeos refusal?
Due to the conflict and tension between the Capulets and the Montagues, Romeos refusal to fight is initially shocking to Tybalt. Tybalt thinks of Romeo as a coward for choosing peace over a fight. After Romeos refusal, Tybalt becomes more interested in a fight with him. For instance, he  states 'Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries That thou hast done me.'  Tybalt instantly denies Romeo's reason to not fight. This implies that his own desperation to fight a Montague is rooted only in their families conflict and Tybalt feels no personal reason to fight Romeo except for their families' history.

2) How does Romeo react to Mercutio's death? What is Shakespeare suggesting about Romeo?
Romeo feels the desire to avenge Mercutio's death yet takes no accountability for the death of Mercutio. Initially, Romeo partially blames Juliet for Mercutio's death. For example, 'O sweet Juliet, thy beauty hath made me effeminate.' This suggests that Romeo is not entirely loyal to Juliet if he is willing to blame her for the murder. Furthermore, Shakespeare suggests Romeo's lack of loyalty and inability to take responsibility for Mercutio's death implies that Romeo is still immature and he foreshadows that Romeo will not be able to commit to the marriage. After Mercutio's death, Romeo makes himself the victim in the situation instead of the actual victim (Mercutio). For instance, Romeo states 'Oh, I am fortunes fool'. Shakespeare implies that Romeo is attention seeking as in the situation Mercutio is the true victim however Romeo shifts the attention from Mercutio to himself. This further implies Romeo's immaturity.

Mercutio is the play's most 'comedic' character. Why is it significant that he is the first to die?
Mercutio's death as the 'comedic character' is significant as it symbolises the end of the joy and innocence as the play begins to become more sinister.  After the joy of the success of the secret marriage, Mercutio's death shifts the mood of the play from euphoric to sinister. Furthermore, his death sets off the chain reactions that ultimately lead to Romeo and Juliet's own tragic death. Shakespeare portrayed Mercutio as a light hearted character who was neither a Montague or a Capulet. Therefore his demise is significant as it represents that even innocent people who remained neutral in the feud  could be killed. For instance after being stabbed Mercutio states, 'they have made worms' meat of me'. The reference to an insect that lives a relatively short and uneventful life suggests that Mercutio has been dehumanised. Moreover, Mercutio who was a 'comedic' character being reduced to lifeless 'worms meat' foreshadows that the personalities of characters will diminish until they reach their fatal end.

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1. Why does Romeo refuse to fight Tybalt?
Romeo reduses to fight Tybalt because they are now cousins in law because of the secret marriage between Romeo and Juliet. This is shown when Romeo says "I see thou knowest me not". Romeo now views Tybalt as a family member and therfore refuses to fight him as this could possibly upset Juliet. This refusal to fight him confuses Tybalt as well as Mercutio and eventually leads to the death of Mercutio.
2. Why might Mercutio decide he needs to fight Tybalt?
Mercutio feels that Romeo's decision not to fight Tybaly is dishonourable to their families name. The phrase "O calm, dishonourable, vile submission!" suggests that Mercutio is disgusted and might even have been personally insulted by Romeo's actions. Mercutio feels he needs to restore his families reputation by fighting Tybalt. Potentially, if Romeo had explained properly why he refused to fight Tybalt to Mercutio, he wouldn't of had to stop Mercutio mid-fight.
3. What specific and/or historical events does Shakespeare  make subtle references to in Mercutio's speech before and after he is slain?
Shakespeare refers to the King of Cats during Mercutio's speech before the fight. The "Good King of Cats" reference may suggest that Tybalt believes that Tybalt will just about escape with ne less live or chance. Another reference after he has died is a reference to having a plague in both Tybalt's and Romeo's houses suggesting that he wants both of them to die like he did. The phrase "A plague o' both your houses!" is a historical reference because around the time of Romeo and Juliet which killed millions in Britain and around Europe.

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What does Tybalt think of Romeo's refusal?

Tybalt thinks of Romeo's refusal as as a criminal act. When Romeo declines to fight Tybalt ridicules him by saying "Thou art a villain!" This phrase clearly implies that Tybalt thinks that only a villain would choose peace and violence is the right answer.

Why might Mercutio decide he needs to fight Tybalt?

Mercutio might decide he needs to fight Tybalt to defend Romeo's honor. When Romeo refuses to fight Mercutio exclaims "O calm, dishonorable, vile submission." This implies that Mercutio thinks of Romeo's surrender as cowardly and he has to step in to protect his friend. Furthermore, the adjective 'Dishonorable,' suggests that Mercutio sees this scenario as one of men fighting to shield their values since 'Dishonorable,' is a word with connotations to knights and holy warriors. However, Mercutio's constant insults at Tybalt like "Rat- catcher," also connote that Mercutio is dueling Tybalt because he resents him and genuinely want to battle him. this could make the reader surprised at Mercutio's sudden change from a comedic character to a violent one.

Mercutio is the play’s most ‘comedic’ character. Why is it significant that he is the first character to die?

Mercutio's death is significant because as he is the most comedic character, his death implies that the previous fun and comedy in this play is over and from now it will be a tragic display. As Mercutio perishes he screams curses and moans that "They have made worms' meat of me." This cry indicates that Mercutio knows he is at deaths door and lost his former glory by comparing himself to "worms' meat." Mercutio might have been the first character to die because as a neutral member in this dispute of families, his demise illuminates how this fight will murder even the innocent. this is evident when he uses the pronoun "They,' because it hints that he blames Montagues and Capulets for his departure. This paints a picture were the joy of the play sapped.

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1.Romeo refuses to fight with Tybalt as now, he has married Juliet which would practically make them family so having rivalry with the opposing family just after marriage isn't the most ideal. He also doesn't want to upset Juliet in any manner and is extremely thrilled and filled with joyous love so the thought of getting into a fight is far from him as he is in the best mood just after marrying Juliet.  "Tybalt, the reason that I have to love thee / Doth much excuse the appertaining rage / To such a greeting". This line explains Romeo mentioning to Tybalt that he has a reason to love him but he doesn't know the reason yet as the marriage was a complete secret.

2. Tybalt would be disgusted and shocked about Romeo's actions because he is not fighting back at Tybalt who is apart of his family's rivalry with the Capulets. He would be disgusted because he is choosing not to go on with a fight with the Capulets which he is disgusted by as firstly Tybalt always loves to start and create fights which was explained in Act 1 scene 1 and also because he wanted to take revenge on Romeo when he entered the Capulet ball. He isn't aware about the secret marriage of Rome and Juliet which make them now cousin-in-laws but Romeo chooses love over hate as firstly is filled with romance with the recent marriage and wouldn't want to hurt a member who is now apart of his family.' TYBALT Romeo, the love I bear thee can afford No better term than this: thou art a villain." This line explains how he calls Romeo a Villan for not accepting a fight and shows a manner of disgust and anger.

3. Mercutio had played the most comedic role in Shakespeare's. From how he dressed at the party, to creating hilarious jokes to cheer up Romeo who was in a spiral with Rosaline in the beginning of the play. Mercutio, Romeo's best friend had played a major role in the play. The most significant factor of the most humorous and comedic characters death could represent the death of joy and happiness in the play. Shakespeare could have represented the death of Mercutio as a sign to explain to its audience that it brings an end to the joyful side of the play and welcomes a much more dark and depressing pathway. The death talks about how now Romeo would have to deal with all of his problem by himself with no friend to guide him which puts him as well in a rocky situation and a start to a dark side of the play as he approaches abandonment, grief and eventually death in the future which could be potential foreshadowing by the significant death of Mercutio to how badly things will turn up too. The line mentioned by Mercutio, "Ask for me tomorrow and you shall find me a grave man" is a symbol of violence to welcome a new chapter of misery and terrible fate of the Romeo and Juliet and the consequences he would need to face in the near future of the play.

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1. What does Tybalt think of Romeo's refusal?

Tybalt is shocked when Romeo states that he refuses to fight, because of the conflict between the Capulets and Montagues. When Tybalt exclaims, "Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries that thou hast done me," we can infer that Tybalt thinks Romeo is a villain, and is too frightened of fighting him. In addition to this, he also later states after Mercutio dies that Romeo is a 'wretched boy,' implying that Tybalt is also disgusted by Romeo as he has brought shame upon his family, and also thinks that Romeo is afraid of him because he is refusing to fight.

2. Why might Mercutio decide he needs to fight Tybalt?

Mercutio decides that he needs to fight Tybalt because of the way that Tybalt was treating Romeo, by abusing and shoving him about. This can be seen when Mercutio states, "The calm submission is dishonorable and vile." This means that Mercutio is shocked as well as Tybalt as to how passive Romeo is acting whilst Tybalt is screaming at him to fight. From this statement, it is evident that Mercutio is disgusted by Tybalt's aggressive attitude towards Romeo, and therefore feels the urge to fight Tybalt.

3. Dramatic irony is when the audience know more than some of the characters. How and why has Shakespeare employed it in this scene?

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1. What does Tybalt think of Romeo's refusal?
From Tybalt's expression to the denial of fighting, Tybalt is portrayed as desperate for revenge and rash. Tybalt initially calls him a 'villain' - person guilty or capable of great wickedness -  in order to public insult him and encourage a fight, even though the Prince forbade this. Romeo does everything he can to avoid the fight due to his new found love, however when Mercutio dies - another incentive created by Tybalt to get Romeo to fight - Romeo returns to the rash person he is and blames his misfortune on god.

2. Think about family honour. Why would Tybalt be disgusted by Romeo?
Tybalt is an extremely hotheaded person who is always looking for a fight, and when he initially finds Romeo flirting with Juliet at the Capulet ball, he finds a reason fight. Angry with Romeo for having the guts to crash the ball and approach his cousin, he believes this was an attempt made by Romeo to insult and mock his family, and due to an everlasting war between the Capulets and Montagues, Tybalt wants to restore his offended honor publicly.

3. What specific social and / or historical events does Shakespeare make subtle reference to in Mercutio’s speech after and before he is slain? Why might this be important (research needed – close analysis of the language is needed)​