By questioning his self control and provoking him, Mercutio is at fault for the fight that occurred in the streets between Benvolio, Romeo, Tybalt, and him. Mercutio was irritated by the fact that the Capulets and Montagues could never seem to get along at all. When venting about this to Benvolio in the streets, the two of them happen to encounter Tybalt. Almost immediately Mercutio is talking with sarcasm and an attitude. He states “And but one word with one of us? Couple it with something. Make it a word and a blow?” (Romeo and Juliet 3.1 40-41) At this point Tybalt has only requested to speak with Benvolio and Mercutio. Mercutio’s first response is filled with hostility and resentment. Thus far Tybalt has shown no trace of hate. Therefor
