Question

Read RomeoÍs cousin BenvolioÍs monologue from act I of Romeo and Juliet. What does this excerpt convey about JulietÍs 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.

Answer 1

Tybalt Capulet is Juliet’s cousin on her mother’s side. Vain, fashionable, supremely aware of courtesy and the lack of it, he becomes aggressive, violent, and quick to draw his sword when he feels his pride has been injured. On the excerpt, it conveyed his strong character as a person. He really likes to fight. He looks to draw his sword any time he can. He especially hates the Montague family.