Romeo_and_Juliet

La Stampa Montague v Capulet [pic] The feuds in the streets of Verona hit boiling point yesterday as Tybalt Capulet and Mercutio, a close family friend of the Montague’s, were killed in further fighting, and Romeo Montague was banished from Verona. A letter was found, addressed to the Montague’s, challenging them to a fight. It is believed that the letter was sent after some Montague’s broke into a party hosted by the Capulets. This greatly angered Tybalt Capulet, and it is thought he sent the letter in the hope of punishing the Montague’s. Benvolio and Mercutio were walking through the streets of Verona, on a scorching hot day, when they met Tybalt and other Capulets. An argument arose, and it was thought this was due to the heat, making them ill tempered and easily aggravated. At this point, Romeo arrived, however refused to fight the Capulets. The reason for this is unknown, and it can only be assumed he was attempting to make peace between the two families. Whilst Romeo was keeping Mercutio and Tybalt from fighting, Mercutio was struck tragically by Tybalt’s sword. Mercutio, realising he was just moments from death, uttered his last words, “A plague a’both your houses!” meaning he cursed both families, for it was down to their constant fighting that he was killed. Romeo Montague was distraught at his best friend being murdered, so he followed Tybalt and attacked him. The fighting led to the death of Tybalt, and when the Prince of Verona heard of this he was outraged. The Prince had recently banned fighting in public between the Capulets and the Montagues, and if this rule was to be broken the punishment was death. However, the Prince banished Romeo instead of ordering his death, as he felt no more blood should be shed. This sparked controversy, as the Capulet’s felt Romeo should be killed for causing the death of Tybalt, and thought banishment from Verona was not a fair punishment for his crime. Prince is outraged at bloodshed An exclusive interview with the Prince of Verona as he tells us his thoughts on the tragic deaths that took place as the fighting between the Capulets and the Montagues continues. L.S - Can you tell us what happened between the families that lead to two people to be killed' P – It seems that the grudge between the families and the insult of the Montague’s going to the Capulet’s party uninvited started the feuding, so I can only assume the situation was aggravated by the heat and the insulting comments made. For instance, I believe Tybalt’s suggestion that Romeo and Mercutio “consortest” sparked the fight, and it led on from this. L.S – What made you decide Romeo should be banished, and not executed like you had originally ordered' P – I felt that it was unnecessary that another person should be killed, and the situation was bad enough without adding to it. L.S – What are you hoping will happen between the Capulets and the Montagues after this tragedy' P – I would like this to bring the two families closer, and put an end to the grudge between them, however it would not be surprising if more trouble was caused by the deaths.