[CHARACTER] Explore the significance of the character of Tybalt in the play

CENTRAL ARGUMENT: Responsible for the tragic end. Through him Shakespeare highlights the predominant leitmotif of hatred and vengeance. Living embodiment of hate.

“What, drawn and talk of peace? I hate the word, as I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee”

Rhetorical interrogative – mocking and belittling Benvolio’s proposition of peace – repetition of word “hate” adds flame to fire – to readers the cause of the hatred Tybalt harbors isn’t clear but his wrath drives the story into its tragic conclusion

“Come hither covered with an antic face to fleer and scorn at our solemnity?”

“antic” “fleer” “scorn” “sin” - hateful, unpleasant semantic field - contrasts with “stock and honor of my kin” - conveys tybalt’s feelings of superiority and uttermost contempt and hatred towards Romeo even though Lord Capulet describes him as “Verona brags of him” – Tybalt’s perspective is skewed by his blinding, boiling hatred towards “all Montagues”

“I will withdraw, but this intrusion, now seeming sweet, convert to bitt’rest gall.”

Compares violent intention of vengeance to bitter poison through metaphor – patience and anticipation makes his “flesh tremble” – thirst for revenge – foreshadowing, a nod to the ending of the play where the violence truly poisons all involved – antithesis highlights extremity

“Again, in triumph, and Mercutio slain? Away to heaven, respective lenity, and fire-eyed fury be my conduct now!”

Spread his burning hate – extinguished the passionate flames of love and good in Romeo, eradicating the good qualities that Juliet liked about him, and in replacement passed on his bitter hatred – Romeo thinks love had made him weak and effeminate – casting it away for “fire-eyed fury” – fricative alliteration - boiling, fire-eyed resent which Tybalt sparked – hellish imagery juxtaposes with heaven - interrogative displays his incredulity and anger and fury – killing Tybalt engraves the tragic ending into stone