Friar Lawrence: Friend or Foe?

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Friar Lawrence: Friend or Foe?
The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet goes back for centuries. It still captivates millions of readers every year. Is it the way Shakespeare always keeps people guessing? How about the theme of relying on fate? Maybe its because every time this wonderful piece of literature is read no one can decide exactly on who is blame? Is it really Juliet's fault for falling in love and taking chances? Is it their parent’s faults for fighting in the first place? Yes, but no. Friar Lawrence is the one to blame for the death of Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet. Lawrence is the one who marries them, gives Juliet a sketchy potion, and does not live up to his promise at the end of the play. Friar Lawrence may be a wise, truthful, friendly human being, however that means nothing when it comes to the fact that he killed the pair of star crossed lovers.
Lawrence proves to be very wise on the subject of love and lust. On the other hand, his choices changed Romeo and Juliet's lives forever. “Young men's love then lies not truly in their hearts, but in their eyes.” (II, III, 67-68). This is noted after Romeo pleads that he has forgotten all about Rosaline and intends on being wed to Juliet. The Friar realizes Romeo may simply be acting on impulse after his recent heartbreak. He does not wish for either child to get in trouble or suffer any more heartbreak, however that is exactly what he sets them up for. “Thy love did read by rote, that could not spell. But come, young waver, come go with me. For this alliance may so happy prove to turn your households' rancor to pure love.” (II, III, 88-92). This means, even though Romeo says he loves Juliet, he has not lived to fully know what that means. However, the Friar will marry the...

... middle of paper ...

...it has been debated endlessly on who is the real culprit of Romeo and Juliet's death. The most logical suspect as to why they really are dead is Friar Lawrence. Whether it is his unthoughtful actions or his bad timing, he is the one to blame. Before the untimely event of their deaths, Friar Lawrence was respected by almost everyone in Verona. However, his bad decisions including: marrying Romeo and Juliet without their parents' consent, giving Juliet a risky potion and plan, and not following through with his promises, led to his downfall. Friar Lawrence is the person closest linked to the event of Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet's death.

Works Cited
Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. N.p.: Prentice Hall, n.d. Print.
(II, III, 67-68)
(II, III, 88-92)
(II, VI, 14-15)
(IV, I, 93-94)
(IV, V, 81-83)
(IV, I, 113-117)
(V, II, 14-15)
(V, II, 24-26)

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