Friar Lawrence's Influence In Romeo And Juliet

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As a trusted and revered priest, Friar Lawrence has a great deal of influence on the decisions made by both protagonists in Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Romeo and Juliet. His advice is responsible for Romeo and Juliet’s marriage, Romeo fleeing to Mantua, Juliet consuming lethal potion, and ultimately the tragic outcome of both lovers when his plan goes awry. Above All, Friar Lawrence is a mentor and confidant of Romeo’s throughout the play. Romeo confides in him about his current troubles and difficulties, expecting an answer or solution from the Friar who is a respected man of God. Therefore, in Act II, scene iii, lines 56-64, it is of no surprise when Romeo confesses to Friar Lawrence his love for Juliet and their plan to elope. In this moment, the very words that fall from Friar’s lips completely alter the course of this play. His approval was the only thing hindering Romeo and Juliet from making this huge mistake. Agreeing to marry the two, as a last resort to put an end to their families’ long-standing feud, only opens a can of worms. Consequently, Romeo and Juliet’s union becomes an enormous dilemma, considering that Juliet is betrothed to …show more content…

This influence is exhibited when Juliet goes to him desperately seeking guidance in her time of despair. In anguish, she urges “Give me some present counsel, or, behold, / Twixt my extremes and me this bloody knife” (IV.i. 63-64). So, as a remedy, Friar Lawrence convinces Juliet to fake her death by drinking a potion to avoid her wedding to Count Paris. Juliet, eager for an escape, accepts the risks of this plan in hopes of reuniting with Romeo. However, Friar Lawrence’s seemingly perfect plan gets derailed when a plague prevents Romeo from receiving his letter containing vital details of their plan. As a result, both Romeo and Juliet decide to end their own lives, leaving everyone but Friar Lawrence in

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