In William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," Prince Escalus decrees that Romeo shall be banished from Verona as punishment for killing Tybalt. The Prince chooses banishment rather than a harsher punishment, like execution, because he recognizes that Romeo acted in a moment of passion and retaliation after the death of Mercutio, which he perceives as a reaction to provocation rather than a premeditated murder. The Prince also considers Romeo's previously clean record and the chaotic circumstances surrounding the feud between the Montagues and Capulets. By imposing banishment, the Prince aims to alleviate some of the violence and maintain order, responding to the tragedy with a punishment that allows Romeo to live while also serving as a warning to the families involved.
What punishment does the Prince decree for Romeo? Why does he choose this punishment instead of a harsher one?
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