Question

In at least 150 words, explain how Romeo's motivation for killing Tybalt relates to the themes of the play?

Answer 1

Answer:

In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare tells a story about the warring families, Montagues and Capulets. The confrontation between them ultimately contributes to Romeo and Juliet's death.

In Act III, Scene I,  there is a sword fight in which Romeo's friend Mercutio is killed by Tybalt, Juliet's first cousin. Although Mercutio and Romeo are not blood relatives, this can be interpreted as another instance of a conflict between the Capulets and Montagues. This conflict, and the fatal repercussions it has on Romeo and Juliet's relationship, is one of the major themes in the play.

Romeo, tempted to defend his friend's honor, kills Tybalt, his new wife's cousin, which triggers a series of unfortunate events - Romeo is banished, and eventually ends up dead (so does Juliet.)  This demonstrates that Romeo is impulsive and cannot restrain himself from this desire to defend his family, even when he is aware that no good will come out of it. Romeo knows that if he kills Tybalt, his relationship with Juliet will have no future. However, his anger prevails.