As the stage commences, Romeo’s approach to Tybalt is much more considerate, but only for the fact that he is now related to Tybalt does he act this way. Tybalt, unaware of this, insults Romeo, calling him “a villain” (3.1.58), but Romeo refuses to respond to this rudeness because “the reason that [he] has to love [Tybalt does] excuse the appertaining rage” (3.1.59-60). Although Romeo walks away, Tybalt presses the fact that Romeo must …show more content…
Romeo is enraged to learn that Mercutio is killed and knows that the outcome of what is going to occur will be decided in the days to come. Furthermore, he sets his mind on revenge, not the consequences of his actions. As Tybalt haughtily returns, Romeo is increasingly infuriated and overcome by these feelings, so he “[forgets] respective lenity” (3.1.119), and aims his sights on vengeance for the death of Mercutio. He is so enveloped in this idea that he does not comprehend the magnitude of what he is about to do, but he warns that “either [he] or [Tybalt] or both must go with [Mercutio] (3.1.125). This foreshadows the death, Tybalt’s death, which will be at the hands of Romeo. Mercutio’s death is the catalyst that pushes Romeo to undergo this change and ultimately take Tybalt’s