On one hot Monday afternoon Mercutio and Benvolio were strolling through the streets of Verona. When Benvolio spotted Tybalt, a Capulet and enemy of Mercutio, Benvolio begged his rash friend to retreat, knowing that Mercutio would be itching for a fight with the Capulet. Tybalt approached Benvolio and Mercutio asking for a word with one of them, to which Mercutio replies that he should: “Couple it with . . . a blow” (III.i 41 - 42). This response would represent Mercutio’s actions throughout this interaction. Despite Tybalt’s initially peaceful approach, the reckless and hasty Mercutio escalated the situation to the point of a sword fight. While Tybalt may not have liked Mercutio, Mercutio was the one to draw his sword …show more content…
M - So in other words you gave Mercutio the chance to leave and avoid a violence yet he refused and instead escalated the situation until it turned into a fight?
B - Yes (III.i 52-57)
M - No further questions.
[Cross Examination]
M - The prosecution hereby calls Romeo Montague to the stand. Please describe your relationship with the accused, Mercutio.
B - I am good friends with Mercutio, I would even go as far as to say we are best friends (II).
M - In your opinion what started the fight?
B - I was trying to sort out my issue with Tybalt and Tybalt was very angry. I stayed calm and tried to calm down Tybalt yet, Mercutio saw my calm as fear and attacked Tybalt (III.i 60-78).
M - Was this violence against Tybalt necessary, in your opinion?
B - No, I was trying to avoid violence at all cost yet it appears Mercutio thought that attacking Tybalt was the best way to solve this conflict (III.i 60-93)
M - What did you do once the fight broke out?
B - At first, before the fighting actually started, I told Mercutio to put away his sword, Mercutio ignored me and continued to egg on Tybalt. Then once they started fighting I told Benvolio to draw his sword and help me break up the fight (III.i