Who is to blame for Mercutio's death? Support your assertion with evidence from the text.

Mercutio's death is the result of a number of misunderstandings and acts of pride. Tybalt provokes Romeo, and Romeo doesn't defend himself. Thus, Mercutio steps in to defend Romeo himself. Had Tybalt kept quiet, or had Romeo fessed up to the truth, the entire episode might not have happened. Not to mention, maybe Mercutio should have kept his head and worried about himself.