13. Who does Romeo blame for Mercutio's injury? Why? What lines in the text supports your answer

In **William Shakespeare’s "Romeo and Juliet,"** Romeo **blames Tybalt** for Mercutio's injury. This blame arises because Tybalt is directly responsible for wounding Mercutio during their confrontation. ### **Context and Explanation:** During the infamous duel in Act 3, Scene 1, Tybalt confronts Romeo, seeking to challenge him to a fight. Romeo, having secretly married Juliet and thus considering Tybalt as part of his family, initially refuses to fight. Mercutio, Romeo’s close friend, steps in to defend Romeo's honor. The fight escalates when Tybalt fatally wounds Mercutio under Romeo's protective arm. Enraged by Mercutio's death, Romeo retaliates by killing Tybalt. ### **Supporting Lines from the Text:** 1. **Tybalt’s Challenge and Mercutio’s Intervention:** - **Tybalt:** > "Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries > That thou hast done me; therefore turn and draw." *(Act 3, Scene 1, Lines 55-56)* - **Romeo:** > "I do protest, I never injured thee, > But love thee better than thou canst devise, > Till thou shalt know the reason of my love." *(Act 3, Scene 1, Lines 64-66)* Romeo attempts to de-escalate the situation, but Mercutio steps in, criticizing both families and provoking Tybalt further. 2. **After Mercutio is Wounded:** - **Mercutio:** > "A plague o' both your houses!" *(Act 3, Scene 1, Line 104)* While this curse is directed at both the Montagues and Capulets, it specifically highlights Tybalt's role in Mercutio's death. 3. **Romeo’s Retaliation and Blame:** - **Romeo:** > "And fire-eyed fury be my conduct now! > Now, Tybalt, take the "villain" back again > That late thou gavest me; for Mercutio slain > Hath more immortal than thy breed ennobled." *(Act 3, Scene 1, Lines 135-138)* In these lines, Romeo explicitly directs his anger and blame towards Tybalt, highlighting that Mercutio’s death demands retribution. ### **Conclusion:** Romeo holds **Tybalt responsible** for Mercutio’s injury and subsequent death. The specific lines from Act 3, Scene 1, particularly Romeo’s declaration to Tybalt in lines 135-138, clearly illustrate this blame and set the stage for the tragic escalation that follows.