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
             To turn households' rancor to pure love.
             Does Friar Laurence fail Romeo here? Should he have counseled Romeo further to re-examine his feelings for Juliet? Knowing Romeo's personality as a heart character, one tends to believe Friar Laurence would have had little effect on changing Romeo's mind about Juliet. In this example of Friar Laurences's advice I do not fault him. I understand his decision to help Romeo wed Juliet.
             The second time Friar Laurence is called upon to counsel Romeo the circumstances are much more complex and dire. Romeo has slain Juliet's cousin Tybalt and has been banished by the Prince. When the friar tells Romeo of the Prince's d
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