“Mercy but murders, pardoning those that kill.” William Shakespeare once said this statement believing the ironic meaning it has behind it showing the families thinking Romeo’s banishment will end the feud and murder when it actually caused the two unnecessary deaths of Mercutio and Tybalt. In the infamous story of Romeo and Juliet, Romeo Montague ends the on and off battle between him and Tybalt, Juliet’s cousin. After seeing the traumatic death of his best friend, Mercutio, he ended Tybalt’s life with no mercy causing him to be exiled from Verona. Due to the obvious killing of Tybalt, Romeo Montague should be charged with Voluntary Manslaughter not only because of the heated moment provoking him but for not having the necessary amount of time to be ‘cooled off.’
Homicide is the killing of another person, which is …show more content…
Though it is clear that Tybalt was the one to begin the conflict, it does not change the fact Romeo kill him out of the heat of passion. Tybalt threatens Romeo by saying, “Boy this shall not excuse the injuries that thou hast done me, therefore turn and draw” (3.1.64-65). Where he may be seen here insulting Romeo and is pressuring him to battle it does not stop Romeo from releasing the anger towards him. He knew exactly what he was doing when he killed Mercutio intending Romeo to go off the edge. Romeo then begins with the deathly request of a battle exclaiming, “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” (3.1.124-128). Romeo knew exactly what he was doing but was not in the right state of mind due to the provocation. This would have never happened without Tybalt angering him but that is not an excuse as to why he shall be punished of