Answering a Tybalt exam question Date: Objectives Examine notes on the antagonist of the play to come to a better understanding of Tybalt Form a serious opinion about Tybalt so as to write an essay. Warm-up – examine all the key words that describe Tybalt. Pick one and explain it then. Menacing, quarrelsome, troublemaker, vengeful, provocative, temperamental, destructive, negative, villainous.

Purpose: Form an opinion of Tybalt The following slides are like the ‘important parts’ for the character of Tybalt. They convey him as an aggressive boy held back twice from releasing his violent urges. He then explodes. He is a product of the Capulet-Montague feud and one of the few characters in Shakespeare who has no good aspects. Introduction: How is he introduced? Challenges: What issues does he face? Crisis: What important decisions does he make? Resolution: What are the consequences of those decisions.

Tybalt: Bio - Introduction Tybalt is an important character in Romeo and Juliet as he is the chief antagonist. His aggressive nature leads to various incidents and he contributes to the play’s tragic ending. As Juliet’s cousin and a young, loyal Capulet, he hates the Montagues. He is also a specialist; his career is to fight and kill, which may explain why the very idea of peace sickens him: “What, drawn, and talk of peace? I hate the word As I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee” (Act 1, scene 1) All this hatred and desire to fight is put on hold when the Prince bans all fighting between the two families. It does not disappear though. Tybalt’s hatred will fester and grow, leading to the hunting of Romeo and the death of Mercutio. Examine Act 1, Scene 1 – Tybalt’s few lines How is Tybalt introduced? What are his first lines?

Challenges - Tybalt: building up to explode When Prince Escalus bans conflict, Tybalt finds another opportunity to cause trouble, his victim this time being Romeo. When he sees Romeo at the feast he gleefully calls for his rapier and says; “To strike him dead I hold it not a sin” (Act 1, scene 5) He is held back yet again however, this time by Lord Capulet. Not only does Capulet forbid him from attacking Romeo, he proceeds to compliment Romeo and speak of his good reputation. This angers Tybalt to the point of trembling, as he says: “Makes my flesh tremble in their different greeting. I will withdraw. But this intrusion shall. Now seeming sweet, covert to bitterest gall” ( Act 1, scene 5) He swears revenge, having been denied battle twice in the play. His third encounter shall be his last. How does Tybalt describe Romeo – does he think of himself as a bad guy.

Crisis - Tybalt: key scene Tybalt shows why he is nicknamed the ‘Prince of Cats’ as his violent nature takes its most dramatic form in Act 3, scene 1. Tybalt stalks or hunts down Romeo in order to kill him. He practically begs for a fight. As was standard practise, to provoke a duel he insults Romeo; “Romeo, the love I bear thee can afford No better term than this: thou art a villain” (Act 3, scene 1) Again like an animal, Tybalt is territorial, he is loyal and in his eyes he is defending the Capulet family from the villain Romeo. His rage has built up so much however than any opponent in front of him will do, as he stabs Mercutio. Before he is killed by Romeo, Tybalt has one final outburst of anger, the threat: “Thou, wretched boy, that didst consort him here, Shalt with him hence” (Act 3, scene 1) His actions kill two people within minutes and seal the fate of Romeo and Juliet. Examine Act 3, scene 1 – Tybalt’s lines. Why does he hate Romeo?

Resolution - Tybalt’s role Tybalt is the product of the feud between the two families. His hatred of the Montagues is something he is proud of as he takes every opportunity to fight them. In contrast to the Princes wishes, he wants to extend the feud, perhaps because he is a trained fighter or perhaps out of some twisted family pride. He has the greatest influence in the play however and shapes events like no other character.

Homework: At the end of the week (NOW), you shall be given the task to write an essay on Romeo, Juliet or Tybalt. The question will be ‘Write about your favourite character. Why do you find that character interesting?’ Tonight: Question – 1 paragraph, half A4 page: Do you like Tybalt? Why or why not? Give evidence for your answer. In summary then, we examined the following in this class: Tybalt’s introduction in Act 1 The problems he faces at the end of Act 1 The decisions he makes in Act 3 and how it ends for him there.