Question

Read this excerpt from act III, scene I, of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet: ROMEO: This gentleman, the prince's near ally, My very friend, hath got his mortal hurt In my behalf; my reputation stain'd With Tybalt's slander,—Tybalt, that an hour Hath been my kinsman! O sweet Juliet, Thy beauty hath made me effeminate And in my temper soften'd valour's steel! What is the central idea of the excerpt? Romeo blames falling in love with Juliet as the cause of Mercutio’s death. Romeo blames Tybalt’s hatred towards the Montagues as the cause of Mercutio’s death. Romeo blames his own cowardice and refusal to fight as the cause of Mercutio’s death. Romeo blames Mercutio’s impulsiveness as the cause of Mercutio’s death. Romeo blames Benvolio’s inability to stop the fight as the cause of Mercutio’s death.

Answer 1

 Well if the excerpt is translated to modern speech can you understand it better ROMEO This gentleman Mercutio, a close relative of the Prince and my dear friend, was killed while defending me from Tybalt's slander- Tybalt, who had been my cousin for a whole hour! Oh sweet Juliet, your beauty has made me weak like a woman, and you have softened my bravery, which before was as hard as steel