The Importance of Friar Lawrence in Romeo and Juliet
After re-reading the play Romeo and Juliet, I find that I have always overlooked the importance of the character Friar Laurence. I now clearly see Friar Laurence as a pivotal character in this play. Romeo and Juliet both take counsel from him at their most desperate times. In this essay I will examine, explore and critique the advice received by both Romeo and Juliet from Friar Laurence. When at first we meet Friar Laurence, Romeo greets him and speaks lovingly of Juliet. Friar Laurence has mistaken Romeo to be speaking of Rosaline. This makes us believe that Romeo comes often to seek the counsel of the friar. This also makes us aware that Romeo has probably said the same types of things of Rosaline that he now says of Juliet. When Romeo speaks of his new love to Friar Laurence, one gets the impression that the friar does not really believe this to be true love. His major motivation to marry them appears to be the breaking up of this long-standing family feud. This is plainly seen when Friar Laurence tells Romeo: Thy love did read by rote, that could not spell. But come, young waverer, come, go with me, In one respect I'll thy assistant be; For this alliance may so happy prove
Friar Laurence could not have known what perils the future had in store for these two. To turn households' rancor to pure love. Juliet finally goes to Friar Laurence when she feels her nurse has betrayed her by advising her to marry Paris. Romeo has slain Juliet's cousin Tybalt and has been banished by the Prince. Friar Laurence goes on to give Romeo hope that if he follows his advice and leaves for Mantua he might be able to get a pardon from the Prince. Many times he was almost forced to help the two young people. The Friar gave his advice, lent his ears, and his wisdom in Romeo and Juliet's times of need. This line of thought is supported by Friar Laurence telling Romeo: Thy fault our law calls death, but the kind Prince, Taking thy part, hath rushed aside the law And turned that black word "death" to "banishment. In this instant Friar Laurence plays on Romeo's love of Juliet to stop him from killing himself. Friar Laurence dissuades Romeo from doing this by physically restraining him and tells him he would be "Killing the love which thou has vowed to cherish;" (III. After examining the influence of Friar Laurence's advice I find no great fault in him. In this example of Friar Laurences's advice I do not fault him. 25-27)If Friar Laurence thought that the family Montague and the family Capulet could be reasoned with why didn't he counsel Romeo and Juliet to go to their families before they wed? I believe in this instant, Friar Laurence is giving Romeo false hope.
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