"A Plague on Both Your Houses!" – Who Said It in Romeo and Juliet?

In Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet (Act 3, Scene 1), the line “A plague o' both your houses!” is spoken by Mercutio—not Romeo—as he dies from Tybalt's wound.

Context

• Mercutio, Romeo's friend, is fatally stabbed by Tybalt under Romeo's arm.
• He curses both Montague and Capulet families for their feud causing his death.
• He repeats it: “A plague o' both your houses! / They have made worms' meat of me.”

Common Misconception

Romeo later says “This day's black fate on more days doth depend; / This but begins the woe others must end” — but the iconic curse is Mercutio's.

Significance

Mercutio's death transforms the play from comedy to tragedy, catalyzing Romeo's revenge and the ensuing catastrophe.