Comparing Friar Lawrence And The Nurse In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

In William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, “two star-crossed lovers” (prologue) from rival families are mentored by Friar Lawrence and the nurse. Although Friar Lawrence and the nurse differ in the way they gain wisdom, they both act as a respected guardian and lack experiences with love. When Friar is collecting herbs, he is interacting with his source of wisdom. He describes a flower as one who possesses "poison" and "medicine power" (2.3.24). Poison literally means a substance which causes illnesses or death, while the denotation of medicine states that it is able to cure and prevent diseases. Friar Lawrence weaves words with opposite meanings to figuratively suggest the philosophy of yin and yang. Thus from nature, Friar understands

that there is a balance of good and bad in everything. Furthermore, Friar Lawrence lacks experience when it comes to love. After secretly exchanging vows with Juliet, Romeo has killed Tybalt and was exiled from Verona. He expressed his frustration by comparing banishment (unable to see Juliet) to death.

Friar who is optimistic, reassures Romeo that the prince was being generous on the punishment. Blinded by love, Romeo exclaimed that the Friar "canst not speak" of what he "dost not feel" (3.3.67). Romeo is unable to see Juliet, thus he has been restrained from confessing his love and intimate actions. Therefore by saying the Friar can not talk about what he does not feel suggest that the Friar has never been restrained to love, nor experienced the passion of love, hence his lack of experience with love. Although Friar lacks experience with love, he is portrayed as an understanding advisor. Following Romeo’s sudden shift in his love interest, he asks Friar Lawrence to wed him and Juliet. Friar Lawrence who understands Romeo, answers with caution and warns Romeo that “young man’s love lies” in his “eyes” and not his “heart” (2.3.71-2). The Friar is aware that Romeo is superficial, and loves through appearances, therefore does not want Romeo to engage in any act that he can later regret. Thus by Friar politely asking Romeo to rethink his decisions suggest that the Friar has good intentions for Romeo and guides him away from irrational

choices.
Unlike Friar Lawrence, Shakespeare portrays the nurse as one who obtains wisdom from experiences, lacks love, and is a mentor.

Contrary to Friar Laurence, the nurse wisdom is influenced by her past experiences. When discussing about Paris proposal with Juliet and Lady Capulet, the nurse begins to recall her memories in speech. She mentions how both her husband and daughter are “with god” (1.3.21). The nurse is implying that both her daughter and husband is dead. Death has a negative connotation and paints an image of darkness, thus figuratively the nurse impression on love is filled with sadness and pain. Because she associates marriage with pain, she draws from her past experiences to attain new wisdom and knowledge to advise Juliet. Similar to Friar Laurence, the nurse is depicted as a character who lacks experience with love. Juliet request her nurse to search for Romeo, longing for his message regarding their marriage. However, the nurse tardiness caused Juliet to complain about if “had she affections and warm youthful blood,” (2.5.12). then the nurse wouldn’t take such a delay in delivering the message. In other words, Juliet is saying that if the Nurse was as young and deeply immersed in her love like Juliet, she would have delivered the news faster. Because the nurse is old and no longer feels love, it is evident that she lacks love. Correspondingly to Friar Lawrence character, the nurse is deemed as a compassionate mentor. Sent by Juliet, the Nurse finally

encounters Romeo and asks him about the marriage. Although her mission was to receive and deliver a message, the Nurse request Romeo to not "lead" Juliet into "a fool's paradise" because she "is young" (2.4.169-171). The nurse wants Romeo to be keen on keeping Juliet innocent and guiding her away from mischiefs. Although not advised by Juliet, the nurse regardlessly ask Romeo for a request for the good of Juliet, subsequently like the Friar is a mentor for Romeo, the nurse acts as a protective advisor for Juliet.