Choose a quotation from Romeo and Juliet, identify the speaker, provide context (where and when does it take place). How is it significant? Why is the quote is important (related to plot, theme, etc.)?

"I am hurt. A plague o' both your houses!"

–Mercutio, act 3, scene 1
These lines represent a pivotal point in the plot of Romeo and Juliet. Tybalt, Juliet's cousin, has grown increasingly threatening toward her very new (and secret) husband, Romeo. Mercutio, who is Romeo's close friend, pushes Romeo to engage in a dual with Tybalt. Romeo doesn't see how this is a real possibility. How can he possibly kill the cousin of his new bride? (Of course, Mercutio isn't aware of the union.) Growing impatient with Romeo, Mercutio decides to fight Tybalt himself. Because this is a Shakespearean tragedy, Mercutio (who often provides comedic lines in the play) is stabbed instead of Romeo. He utters these lines as he is dying, ultimately both reflecting both the past and the future of the Capulet/Montague feud. Because of their history of hate, Tybalt's rage has culminated in Mercutio losing his life. Mercutio also curses "both their houses," effectively casting evil on events to come. Just after this, an enraged Romeo kills Tybalt, which sets events in motion that will end both his life and that of his new bride.