Friar Lawrence was one of the most important characters in the novel. Even though he was not on the stage for most of the play he greatly contributed to the tragedy that would soon happen at the end of the play. There was basically three major parts that lead to the death of Romeo and Juliet, which Friar Lawrence was involved in all of them. Friar Lawrence played a vital role in the marriage, planning and death of Romeo and Juliet. His attempts to do the right thing were noble, but because of poor planning they would soon lead to the inevitable tragedy.
Friar Laurance marries Romeo and Juliet even though he believes that the marriage will end up in tragedy. However he marries them in hope that it will end the continuous feuding between the two families. When Romeo asks Friar Laurance to marry him with Juliet the Friar doesn’t think that his love is true. “O, she knew well/Thy love did read by rote and could not spell.” (Act 2, Scene 3, 87-88). As was his love for Rosaline, the Friar believes that his love for Juliet will not last. Even though he thinks that the marriage is flawed he agrees to marry them in his own self interest of ending the feuding. “Come, come with me, and we will make/short work;/For, by you leaves, you
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There will be much controversy over what or who was responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, but many clues are left by Shakespeare which point in the direction of Friar Laurence. Friar Laurence’s selfishness made him leave the tomb in fear that he could end up in trouble, if he stayed longer he could have kept Juliet from committing suicide. In Act IV, Scene I Juliet goes to the Friar for advice. “Hold, then; go home, be merry, give consent/ To marry Paris: Wednesday is to-morrow:/ To-morrow night look that thou lie alone;/ Let not thy nurse lie with thee in thy/ chamber:/ Take thou this vial, being then in bed,/ And this distilled liquor drink thou off;” (Act 4, scene 1, 89-93). Again Friar Laurence failed to take action when Friar John tells him that Romeo did not receive the message. He failed to inform Romeo that her death was fake. Another fault in his plan was informing Romeo of who was delivering the letter. He could have warned Romeo of what had happened, or gone to Juliet’s tomb sooner, however he failed once again to succeed in his plans. After he leaves the tomb he is confronted by the Capulets and the Prince. ” (Act 5, Scene 3, 226-227) Friar Laurence feeling shameful for the carelessness of his actions confesses what has happened and blames himself for the tragedy. The Friar arrives in the tomb to see Juliet awake with Romeo and Paris by her side. If the Friar had acted sooner, he had several options. He tells Juliet she must drink the potion the next day, however he has not made sure that Romeo knows of the plan.
Approximate Word count =
1026
Approximate Pages =
4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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