If Romeo had approached the Capulet family and asked for forgiveness for his part of Tybalt’s death he would’ve died. He would get worse than banishment. They would send Romeo to death. I think him die over Juliet would’ve been better because he already murdered someone. Although the story is sad, his best choice was to commit death.
It clarifies the relationship between Brutus and Mark Antony. It informs the audience about events that took place off stage. It provides background information about Brutus's relationship with Messala.