Romeo and Juliet: Blame Friar Lawrence
In Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet", Friar Lawrence has a major role. As a priest, Romeo and Juliet trusted Friar Lawrence completely, turning to him for advice, and solutions. He was there throughout Romeo and Juliet's lives, he married them, came up with a plan to keep them together, and was a friend throughout their tragedies. However it was his rashness, shortsightedness, poorly thought out plans and desperate measures that led to Romeo and Juliet's ultimate tragedy.
Friar Lawrence is responsible for Romeo and Juliet's deaths. Friar Lawrence married Romeo and Juliet, this was the first mistake that would lead to their deaths. A bond between them was created through marriage:
"For, by your leaves, you shall not stay alone
Till holy church incorporate two in one." (2.6.36-37).
None of any of the tragedies would have occurred if Romeo and Juliet were not married.The bond and marriage also affects the time Tybalt comes and challenges Romeo to a fight. Romeo has to refuses, and says he loves Tybalt:
"Tybalt, the reason that I have to love thee
Doth much excuse the appertaining rage
To such a greeting --" (3.1.61-63).
Since Romeo would not fight, Mercutio has to step in and defend his friend's honor. Mercutio, being an excellent swordsman would have killed Tybalt, had not Romeo gotten in his way. But instead, Mercutio is slain under Romeo's arm. In a rage Romeo lashes out and kills Tybalt causing himself to be banished. Romeo would not fight because of his marriage to Juliet, and has become a coward in his own eyes. Romeo and Juliet's marriage has caused Mercutio and Tybalt's deaths, as well as Romeo's banishment. Friar Lawrence caused all these woeful events by marrying Romeo and Juliet.
Even after Mercutio's death and Romeo's banishment, Friar Lawrence does not see the destructiveness of Romeo and Juliet's marriage. Instead he continues to attempt to kee...