Read Romeo’s cousin Benvolio’s monologue from act I of Romeo and Juliet. What does this excerpt convey about Juliet’s cousin Tybalt?
BENVOLIO: Here were the servants of your adversary,
And yours, close fighting ere I did approach:
I drew to part them: in the instant came
The fiery Tybalt, with his sword prepared,
Which, as he breathed defiance to my ears,
He swung about his head and cut the winds,
Who nothing hurt withal hiss'd him in scorn:
While we were interchanging thrusts and blows,
Came more and more and fought on part and part,
Till the prince came, who parted either part.
This excerpt conveys Tybalt's character. We learn that Tybalt is a violent and fiery character, always trying to pick a fight with someone. This is very significant in the play because his attacks are often directed at Romeo and his friends, due to the hate he has for Montagues. This eventually leads him to clash with Romeo, which results in Tybalt's death and Romeo's banishment.
