Immaturity: Analysis of Tybalt, Juliet's Cousin

In Romeo and Juliet, my least favorite character would have to be Juliet's cousin Tybalt. All the way through act 3 scene 1 when he dies, the only thing Tybalt does is express his unexplained hatred of the Montague family. It seems all Tybalt has done for anyone is incite conflict. He seems to be the only family member of the Capulets who dislike the Montagues. Even his death caused more hatred-- the rest of the Capulets against the Montegues. Tybalt had thought that all the fighting he provoke was justified, which I found really interesting. Because it clearly wasn't, it suggested that Tybalt was still childish and not fully mature.

In the opening of the play-- the fight scene-- the audience is exposed to the spitefulness of Tybalt.
In 1.1.71~73 Tybalt responds to Benvolio's offer to keep peace. " What, drawn and talk of peace? I hate the word/ As I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee./ Have at thee coward!" Right away Juliet's cousin is portrayed as a cold-hearted character, claiming that he hates peace and the Montagues as much as he hates hell. Throughout all of the play that Tybalt takes part in, he never states why he has such disgust for the other family. So this makes me think that he picked fights out of jealousy or envy. And as an adult and respectable figure, I would imagine he would have other ways to cope with his feelings. But he reminds me of the stereotypical bully in the play yard, looking for another kid to punch. His fights seem very attention-oriented because there is no reason to have one. So he is full of jealousy, envy, and wants attention, just to name a few of his child-like characteristics.

At the party scene, when Romeo and Mercutio crash the celebration, it seems as though Tybalt is personally offended. "Now, by the stock and honor of my kin,/ To strike him dead I hold it not a sin." 1.5.66~67. Then Capulet replies, "Let him alone./ He bears him like a portly gentleman,/ And, to say truth, Verona brags of him," 1.5.74~76. Even with his Uncle telling him to calm down, he is reluctant. He says, "by the stock and honor of my kin," claiming that he would kill Romeo and it would not be a crime because it is for the honor of his family. But, Capulet doesn't seem to mind. It seems as though Tybalt is ignorant and is oblivious to the fact that he is the only one with such hatred. 1.5.102~103, Tybalt states, "I will withdraw, but this intrusion shall,/ Now seeming sweet, convert to a bitt'rest gall." This line built great annoyance in me when I read it. It doesn't have to turn into something bitter if Tybalt would just let it go! Why is it impossible for Tybalt to be the bigger person, and prevent an issue before it occurs?

Lastly, at his final fighting scene, he tries to invite Romeo to a duel. He declines, because he is already secretly married to Juliet, and states that he loves Tybalt more than he can understand. "Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries/ That thou hast done me. Therefore turn and draw." 3.1.67~68. Romeo responds " I do protest I never injured thee/ But love thee better than thou canst devise/ Till thou shalt know the reason of my love./ And so, good Capulet, which name I tender/ As dearly as mine own, be satisfied." 3.1.69~73. Here Romeo is saying that no, he hasn't done Tybalt any wrong, and he loves him and the Capulet name like his own. He wants Tybalt to be satisfied with his statements, and stop pressing him to fight. Yet, Tybalt doesn't stop. He kills Mercutio, and then after some more instigating-- he himself is killed. Tybalt needs self-control, and to think before he speaks. It was his words and actions that landed him dead.

Overall, I felt like Tybalt was not mature enough to face the truth and to let go of his random hatred.  He tricked himself into thinking that he and he only knew what was right. Truthfully, without him, I don't think the story of Romeo and Juliet would be a tragedy. At most, Juliet had to marry Paris. Tybalt could not even present himself maturely. Instead he showed his ignorance, jealousy and desire for attention. But what do you guys think is responsible for Tybalt's actions?