Act 3 Scene 1 Flashcards
‘You shall find me apt enough to that, sir, an you will give me occasion.’
• Tybalt enters the scene with an element of restraint however when offered the opportunity for conflict, he is quick to take up this invitation which seeks to emphasise his volatile nature.
• He is catalysed by violence and considers himself as well equipped to defeat the enemy.
‘Mercutio, thou consort’st with Romeo…’
• Tybalt is deliberately provocative in his use of a pun to insinuate that Mercutio and Romeo are romantically involved.
• The use of the term ‘consort’st’ could imply companionship however Tybalt’s more likely intention is to provoke Mercutio into action by suggesting that his relationship with Romeo has a sexual undertone.
‘Romeo, the hate I bear thee can afford no better term than this,–thou art a villain.’
• Tybalt was the first character to reference ‘hate’ in the play and so he continues to demonstrate his alliance with this term as the text progresses.
• He makes a further reference to Romeo as ‘villain’ but does so in a deliberately explicit manner as a means to provoke him into action. Whereas, Tybalt had previously referred to Romeo as ‘villain’ only when conversing with Lord Capulet and therefore beyond earshot of Romeo.
‘Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries that thou hast done me, therefore turn and draw.’
• The use of the noun ‘boy’ brings attention to Tybalt’s contempt for Romeo. He wishes to present him as inferior and incompetent by way of comparison.
• Tybalt feels that he has been wronged by Romeo and therefore seeks to avenge such actions which highlights a keenness to protect his honour and reputation.
• He commands Romeo to ‘therefore turn and draw’ as Tybalt sees violence as the only resolve this feud. He is unable to navigate these circumstances without aggression which further emphasises his volatile nature.
