How does Shakespeare treat death in Romeo and Juliet?

In the most general sense, death is treated very liberally in Romeo and Juliet. Many characters die in the play, including Mercutio, Tybalt, Romeo and Juliet. The characters come from both families, including the extended families of the Capulets and Montagues. As a literary device, death works in many ways in Romeo and Juliet. By the end of the play, death brings about a reunification between the two families. However, the initial death of Mercutio is a catalyst that fuels the fights that cause the subsequemt deaths in the play. Death is a test that presents the characters with options, as if asking them, "Will you fight or will you make amends?" In each instance, until Romeo and Juliet's deaths, the characters choose to escalate the conflict between the families. In a way, death is a plot device that questions the feud, asking the family if the fight is worth the outcomes. Ultimately, death does not unite the families. It is not until the love of Romeo and Juliet is discovered that the families choose a new tactic.