Revenge in Romeo and Juliet

The want for revenge leads many of the characters in Romeo and Juliet into murderous acts which eventually leads to severe punishments and a further need for revenge. The everlasting revenge in Romeo and Juliet is first born from ancient grudge between the Capulets and the Montagues, which is ultimately settled with the tragic, abrupt unifying factor of both Romeo and Juliet's death. Several instances within the interactions of the characters suggests that vengeance is driving force of the plot, and that consequently, there must ultimately be an end to the feuding and recoil, due to the fact that there must be a resolution after the thrilling climax. (Spencer 54)

The first factor causing revenge springs from the ancient grudge between the Capulets and the Montagues, which curiously was never fully explained in the play. This ancient grudge is the initial justification that accounts for the two family's first dispute in the streets of Verona. (Marsden 21-36)

However, after the first civil brawl, Romeo and Mercutio decide to intrude on the Capulet's masked party. Consequently, they eventually become discovered by Tybalt due to Romeo's easily distinguishable voice, yet Capulet discourages and scolds him from confronting Romeo and ruining the party. This humiliates Tybalt, and draws him into wanting to take the present matters into his own hands, dealing with Romeo and Mercutio some other time while his anger gradually builds.

After the Montague's intrusion on the masked party and the first civil brawl, the want for repercussion further increases within each character, especially Tybalt, eventually leading to the untimely death of Mercutio, with his last few breaths plotting revenge on both families. (Bly 52-71)

Why the devil came you between us? I

was hurt under your arm...

Help me into some house, Benvolio,

Or I shall faint. A plague o' both your houses!

They have made worms' meat of me: I have it,

And soundly too: your houses! (3.1)

Mercutio does get his revenge on both families, since Romeo is soon banished after the slaying of Mercutio, Tybalt is slain, and accordingly, a series of adverse experiences occurs within the lives of both families. To seek revenge for his friend Mercutio's death, Romeo murders Tybalt, who now is his own kinsman.

After Tybalt is eradicated by Romeo, the citizens of Verona try to step in and get their own revenge for the Montague's and Capulet's fighting in the fair streets of Verona because they are disturbing the ...