What are the similarities and differences between Tybalt and Mercutio? What are the Similarities and Differences between Tybalt and Mercutio in...

• In
  ,andare both hotheads.  They instigate the violence in Act III that leads
  to 's revenge and exile.
• Both characters are passionate defenders.
   Mercutio defends the critics, those who rail against.  Tybalt only defends his
  family.
• Both characters die in Act III, a turning point in thethat sets up
  the tragic action for Romeo andin Act V.
• Mercutio is an
  archetypal Agroikoi, a sub-eiron,
  a Critic of Tragic action who resists tragic
  movement; . As a foil for Romeo, he refuses both love and hate,
  adopting a cynical middle course.  By contrast, Tybalt is all hate, melodramatic, overserious.
   He is an archetypal villain, a warrior with no ideals.  He is the emblem of family allegiance.
  
• Mercutio's death is the primary foreshadower.  Before his death, he curses
  both houses.  As such, he serves as a kind of oracle.  Tybalt's death is all action, no
  commentary.

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