Read this excerpt from act III, scene I, of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet:
ROMEO: This gentleman, the prince's near ally,
My very friend, hath got his mortal hurt
In my behalf; my reputation stain'd
With Tybalt's slander,—Tybalt, that an hour
Hath been my kinsman! O sweet Juliet,
Thy beauty hath made me effeminate
And in my temper soften'd valour's steel!
What is the central idea of the excerpt?
Romeo blames falling in love with Juliet as the cause of Mercutio’s death.
Romeo blames Tybalt’s hatred towards the Montagues as the cause of Mercutio’s death.
Romeo blames his own cowardice and refusal to fight as the cause of Mercutio’s death.
Romeo blames Mercutio’s impulsiveness as the cause of Mercutio’s death.
Romeo blames Benvolio’s inability to stop the fight as the cause of Mercutio’s death.