He killed out of his own desires. Romeo is guilty of letting Tybalt kill Mercutio. He then decides to cover up his mistake by killing Tybalt. Shakespeare, emphasizes, “Alive in, triumph! And Mercutio slain! Away to heaven, respective lenity, And fire-eyed fury be my conduct now! Now, Tybalt, take the villain back again That late thou gavest me; for Mercutio’s soul is but a little way above our heads, Staying for thine to keep him company. Either thou, or I, or both, must go with him” (Shakespeare Act 3 Scene 1 Page 149). In this scene, Romeo goes mad and decides that someone has to die with Mercutio. He believes that either one of them or both have to die with Mercutio. This crazy suicidal thought has nothing to do with protecting himself or Mercutio. Shakespeare, expresses, “Uncle, this is a Montague, our foe; A villain that is hither come in spite To scorn at our solemnity this night” (Shakespeare Act 1 Scene 5 Page 67). It is true that Tybalt hated the Montagues. Tybalt wanted to kill Romeo. If Romeo had killed Tybalt before he killed Mercutio then this murder may have been justifiable. However, after Mercutio dies and Tybalt exits, it is not justifiable anymore. Consequently, Romeo is to be banished from the walls of Verona. Overall, Romeo did not save anyone, this being the reason he should be charged with second degree …show more content…
Romeo killed Tybalt because he was too unstable. Shakespeare, explains, “However, he points out that it was not such a long time ago that Romeo was in love with Rosaline and perhaps Romeo is acting hastily” (Shakespeare Act 2 Scene 3 Page 99). Romeo has been an unstable character throughout the story. In the first act, he is traumatized with the thought of his life never changing. Those emotions are completely disregarded when he meets Juliet. Shakespeare, proves, “Tybalt enters looking for Romeo but is ready to fight anyone. Mercutio confronts Tybalt. Romeo enters and, since it is just after his marriage, is filled with love even for his “enemy” Tybalt” (Shakespeare Act 1 Scene 3 Page 141). Furthermore, Romeo has love for his enemy. It is a extremely quick mood change. The Capulet, Tybalt, which hated him, he now had love for. Shortly after ‘having love for the enemy’ Romeo is angered by the death of Mercutio and slays Tybalt. Romeo’s softness is also the cause of Mercutio’s death. If Romeo had killed Tybalt first then it may have been justifiable. In conclusion, Romeo is charged with second degree murder for killing out of anger and