Romeo and Juliet
Why does mercutio stand up to fight tybalt when romeo won't !?
Act Three Scene one !
Act Three Scene one !
Mercutio believes that Romeo's refusal is an act of cowardice. Not knowing that his friend hs just married Juliet, Mercutio proclaims Romeo's refusal to defend his honor a "calm, dishonorable, vile submission." Thus, he tkes the matter into his own hands and defends Romeo's honor himself.
Romeo and Juliet