Verona Daily Tribune
Vol. 4 Est. 1522
EXILED OR SLAUGHTERED?
Controversy on the Princes Laws
Tybalt and Mercutio fighting on
the streets of Verona Monday,
late afternoon.
Tuesday, July 16th, 1532
Amanda Whyte
VERONA- Once again, the peace was
broken in the streets of Verona due to the
hatred between the Capulets and Montagues,
leaving Tybalt, a member of the Capulets,
and Mercutio, a relative of the Prince, dead;
and Romeo of the Montagues banished.
Since this brawl, there has been controversy
towards the Princes decision to exile
Romeo. The Prince previously stated that
anyone who disturb our streets again,
[their] lives shall pay the forfeit of the
peace. Yet considering the circumstances,
banishment seems to be the most reasonable
penalty.
Tuesday, July 16th, 1532
During the fray, Tybalt had slain Mercutio
first, meaning Tybalt would have paid for
that crime with his life according to Prince
Escalus laws. Romeo just balanced out
justice by slaying Tybalt. As Montague
proclaims, he was Mercutios friend; his
fault concludes but what the law should end,
the life of Tybalt. Although Romeo killed
another citizen, he does not deserve to be
executed as he was only carrying through
with what was already stated in the law.
It is noted that if Romeo did not kill Tybalt,
Tybalt would have killed him. Romeo that
spoke him fair, bid him bethink how nice the
quarrel was testifies a key witness to the
disturbance, Benvolio. It is clear that Romeo
did not originally want to fight Tybalt but
had no choice but to defend Mercutios
name, and himself. As this fight was not
started by himit was started by Tybalt.
Therefore, the Princes judgment is
appropriate as Romeo did not even want to
disturb the peace in the first place.
One can only hope the dispute between these
two families will end, but Romeos actions
during this brawl were incredibly warranted;
he carried out the justice owed, and only
killed in defense. Exile is very much a
suitable penalty. After all, there is no justice
without mercy.
Quotes in order as they
appear:
[1.194-95] [3.1.183-184]
[3.1.152-153]