In-class Writing

In Act 3 Scene 1 who is really responsible for Mercutio’s death: Mercutio, who provoked the fight, Tybalt who stabbed him, or Romeo who got between them? Use specific evidence (direct quotes) from the play to back this up. 

In my opinion, I believe that Mercutio is responsible for his own death.  There is no one could help him to carry the guilt, even though Tybalt truly murdered him.  The reason of that is that Mercutio is stagnant and insane in this scene.  His irrational and radical personality is the main cause of his death.  Firstly, if Mercutio could not have a fight with Tybalt, he would not be stabbed by Tybalt.  The fight is started by Mercutio's provocation.  The evidence in the book is that Mercutio says, "Will you pluck your sword out of his pilcher by the ears?  Make haste, lest mine be about your ears ere it be out."  It clearly shows that Mercutio invites Tybalt to fight instead of Tybalt.  The fight should be ended as someone dies or be injured.  Therefore, Tybalt hurts Mercutio is normal for the fight.

Secondly, Mercutio did not behave well before the fight.  He always argues with Tybalt although Tybalt does not focus on him at all.  Tybalt wants to talk to Benvolio or Mercutio to find Romeo, but Mercutio is irradiated immediately by Tybalt's words.  Tybalt says, "Gentlemen, good den, a word with one of you."  Mercutio answers, "And but one word with one of us?  Couple it with something make it a word and a blow."  From the conversation above, we can know that Tybalt wants to have a normal conversation quickly and peacefully, but Mercutio wants to provoke Tybalt for a fight.  The reaction of Tybalt is nice and strong.  He says, "You should find me apt enough to that, sir, and you will give me occasion."  It means that he does not mind to fight with Mercutio unless Mercutio gives him a proper reason or excuse.  He emphasizes that he is not a weak person, but he is not a person who shows off his power and his arrogance either.  It is a figure of a gentleman.  However, Mercutio does not make a concession.  He says, "Could you not take some occasion without giving?"  Mercutio sneers Tybalt why he does not make any reason.  Clearly, Mercutio is troubling Tybalt for no reason.  As a result, it is reasonable for Mercutio to be responsible for his death.

If I am the director, I would focus on the custom of the two character.  To be honest, we understand that Tybalt comes to the street with anger, which means he and Mercutio both have bad tempers.  The only difference is that Tybalt knows how to control himself.  Therefore, if their costumes are both dark red, I want to add some black color on Tybalt's clothes because the black can make people feel more steady.  Furthermore, I would love to add some allegro speed music playing with violin and drum because the violins' higher sound and the drumbeat can emphasize the intense environment.