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Hannah Johnson

Mr. King

English I

25 May, 2017

Tybalt Exemplifies Narcissistic Personality Disorder

A person can seem charming on the surface, but in reality they are a narcissistic only

seeking self-satisfaction. A given medical definition of Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a

mental illness characterized by a long-standing pattern of grandiosity, an overwhelming need for

admiration, and usually a complete lack of empathy toward others (Psych Central). Throughout

the Shakespearean play, Romeo and Juliet, Tybalt demonstrates the symptoms of Narcissistic

Personality Disorder due to his lack of empathy and arrogance towards the other characters. In

his few appearances Tybalt is the aggressor, often being portrayed as an indignant character who

believes he is better than others. When things do not go his way, he lashes out at those who he

blames for the situation, despite in most cases, the fault is his own.

Tybalt displays his arrogant tendencies towards the Montagues at a festivity in the

Capulet household. His narcissism comes to light in Act 1 Scene 5 as Tybalt states Ill not

endure him as his uncle, Lord Capulet, allows Romeo to attend their party. He expresses his

frustration with his uncle claiming Romeo is a villain as a guest. Capulet didnt want to create

conflict between the opposing families at this event, yet Tybalt would not drop the fact a

Montague was allowed into the same household as himself. This displays his unnecessary desire

to display his superiority over Romeo. People with Narcissistic Personality Disorder tend to look

arrogant or snobby and can be quite confrontational (Psychology Today).


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Another instance in which Tybalt is seen acting narcissistically is in Act 3 Scene 1 when

he provokes Mercutio into a duel after trying to fight Romeo. Tybalt again calls Romeo a

villain and eventually demands he turn and draw after the injuries [he] hast done [him].

Tybalt proceeds to duel and kill Mercutio. He was so determined to establish his dominance over

the Montagues that he was willing to fight to the death. People with this disorder believe they are

paramount to all others, sometimes out of jealousy (Psych Central). Though there are no explicit

incidences of Tybalt being jealous of Romeo, the audience can infer he very well could be given

his drastic actions.

Throughout the play Shakespeare uses many religious metaphors such as holy hands and

lips, also including a Roman Catholic Friar as one of the characters. The Seven Deadly sins are

believed to have originated from Christianity. Having lived in a time period when Christianity

heavily influenced society, Shakespeare creates a character that exhibits the popular sinful traits

associated with a religion practiced by a majority of his audience. Tybalt exhibits the sins

superbia (otherwise known as pride) and envy. These are believed to lead you on the path of

other immoralities. Pride is the feeling of satisfaction of your own achievements and envy is the

jealousy of others, two characteristics of narcissism.

Despite the fact it can be argued that Tybalt has Narcissistic Personality Disorder, many

people believe it is not verifiable due to the fact Tybalt's aggression is just targeted at the

Montagues. This can be backed up with Tybalt saying Uncle, this is a Montague, our foe, A

villain that is hither come in spite,. Since this could be explained with how the rest of the

Capulets act towards Montagues due to the Ancient Grudge, it wouldn't be outlandish to see

belligerence between the two families. Although aspects of this argument are digestible, it

essentially backfires in the situation where Mercutio and Tybalt fought. Not only did Tybalt
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initiate the fight, but he ending up murdering Mercutio in the end! Mercutio wasnt a Montague

and was actually a kinsman to the king (Shakespeare ). This shows his hostility wasn't reserved

for only Montagues.

In conclusion, Tybalt express the characteristics of Narcissistic Personality Disorder as he

is arrogant, apathetic, and apoplectic. Numerous times within Romeo and Juliet, Tybalt displayed

these traits towards the other characters. This led him to be outcasted as villain in the story in

regards to the death of Mercutio, the torment he delivered to Romeo, and his odious temper.

Works Cited

"Narcissistic Personality Disorder." Psychology Today. Sussex Publishers, 17 Apr. 2017. Web. 01

June 2017.

"Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Symptoms & Treatment." Psych Central. 02 Dec. 2016. Web.

01 June 2017.

Shakespeare, William, and Daniel Fischlin. The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. Don Mills,

Canada: Oxford UP, 2013. Print.

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