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Friar lawrence punishment essay romeo and juliet
Critically examine the roles of friar lawrence in shakespeare's romeo and juliet
Critically examine the roles of friar lawrence in shakespeare's romeo and juliet
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The Character of Friar Lawrence in Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
In this essay I will discuss the character Friar Lawrence from the
play “Romeo & Juliet” by William Shakespeare. I will discuss his
character by showing how much responsibility he takes for the deaths
of the couple. He is of the Catholic faith and very often has to give
advice to the people of Verona. Like in the 16th Century, where people
had a powerful belief in the Catholic way of life and regularly went
to the church to confess or seek help, so the Friar was the person who
gave advice to everyone. People could confide in him concerning their
sins and secrets and know that they would stay secret in the hands of
God. Because of this he is a powerful man. He has all the knowledge
of what the public do, so if his advice is wrongly given then the
consequences could be far reaching. I think that the advice he gives
to Romeo to marry Juliet could maybe be the cause of their deaths. I
will decide whether I think he is responsible after I have given
evidence to back up the title of my essay.
In Act 2 Scene3, Romeo enters Friar Lawrence’s cell to tell him about
his ‘new love’, whom he met the previous night. In the speech that
Friar Lawrence gives at the start of this scene, he is talking to
himself. Many of the words seem to be linked to the deaths at the
end. “In plants…nought so vile, that on the Earth doth live. But to
the Earth some special good doth give, nor ought so good but, strained
from that fair use…” This quote is saying that plants are good for
you, but some result in death. It could be a hint that Shakespeare is
giving, as Romeo and Juliet...
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...t he thought it
would reconcile their families. Ironically, this did happen but only
after the married couple were dead. His decisions seemed only to
focus on the two lovers and himself. In being so narrow minded, he
couldn’t see how his actions could affect a wider group of people, nor
did he ever consider the pitfalls of what he was planning.
Although Friar Lawrence doesn’t seem to play a major role, when
examined, Shakespeare had created a strong character who in fact was
in control of the two main characters, and influenced everything they
did. Ultimately however, although I believe that the Friar was
responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, he cannot be solely
responsible, because if the families had not been enemies, the two
lovers could have lived happily and the tragedy could have been
avoided.
Friar Lawrence in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet "We still have known thee for a holy man"
“From forth the fatal loins of these two foes, A pair of star- crossed lovers take their life, Whose misadventured piteous overthrows, Doth with their death bury their parents’ strife.”
through the ranks of the church and had the utmost respect of the people of
The Friar directly and indirectly took part in suicide, murder, and other tragic happenings. The Friar is an honored man, who sells herbs and medicines to the people of Verona. He is a type of ancient pharmacist, who has potions for both causes of good and evil. There are three specific instances of the Friar playing a major role in Romeo and Juliet: the impossible marriage of Romeo and Juliet, Juliet's "death" plan, and Romeo's death. Without the Friar many crucial and tragic events would not have happened in Romeo and Juliet.
Even though the Friars were only begging for money they would sometimes grow wealthy because of the nobles giving them money and gifts. The friar also took preaching the word of God as a big task and he would move around place to place delivering sermons and begging alms. A friar loved the hierarchy he got in the church world. The only thing is that the friar didn't receive possessions unlike the other high officials in the church. Even though he was poor and in poverty he still received respect from the church.
In his youth, St. Boniface encountered many priests or clerics who traveled from town to town. Through these spiritual conversations, it became evident to St. Boniface that he wanted to pursue a life with God. Eventually, after continuos begging and his fathers fatal sickness, he was sent to the care of the Monastery of Examchester. (Appleton) It is here, that St. Boniface expressed to the Abbot at the time, that he wanted to live a monastic life. The father of the monastery, after council, granted him his wish. Here is where the saint began to prove his love for God, and could begin his journey of the Christian life. After exceeding all expectations and surpassing the knowledge of his teachers, he moved to a neighboring monastery, called Nursling, whereby he studied under the influence of Abbot Winbert.(St. Boniface Church) Here he gained vast knowledge of scriptures and the spiritual exposition of the Bible. Here, he gained such a reputation that men and women from far and wide traveled to study scriptures under his guidance. At the age of 30 he was humbly ordained a priest and yet another branch of his life was fulfilled.
Francis then lived a life of charity which included nursing lepers. His life influenced many people and some even decided to follow him. One of these people was St. Clare. These followers of his became known as Friars. Francis lived a life of helping others which he summed up with three vows for others to follow.
In Shakespeare's play, Romeo and Juliet, Friar Laurence has a major role. As a member of the Order of St. Francis, a group of wise and generous priests, Romeo and Juliet trusted Friar Laurence completely, turning to him for advice, and solutions. He was there throughout Romeo’s and Juliet's lives; he married them, came up with a plan to keep them together, and was a friend throughout their tragedies. However, Friar Laurence’s rash action in marrying Romeo and Juliet, his shortsighted plan for rescuing Juliet from an unwanted marriage to Paris, and his fear of committing sin all contributed to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet.
The Role of Friar Laurence in Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare Throughout history, never has there been a piece of literature as well known for its tragic end as that of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Although many factors contribute to the grief and misfortune that this play represents, human actions play the principal role in the final outcome. At first glance, one may look at the character of Friar Laurence, dismissing him as only a minor player in the plot. However, upon closer examination, it becomes obvious that the Friar plays an essential role in the development of the play and, although has good intentions, is responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet.
Throughout history, the archetype of the god-teacher, a kind, educated adult who risks their own safety to aid others, has been prominently displayed in all genres of plays, movies, and books. Shakespeare, a famous Elizabethan Period playwright, incorporated the role of the god-teacher into his classic love story, Romeo and Juliet. In the tragic play the god-teacher takes the shape of Friar Lawrence. Although some readers don’t see beyond the friar’s failed plan to keep the lovers together, he assists Romeo and Juliet tremendously; furthermore, the plot couldn’t develop without him. With this in mind, Friar Lawrence is a god-teacher because he is a kind man, transmits wisdom, and suffers as a result.
In the classic play Romeo and Juliet, Friar Laurence plays a major part. Romeo and Juliet trusted him entirely as he was the priest of their town. They turned to the Friar for help and advice at a few crucial points in the play. Little did these two lovers know that their decision to turn to Friar Laurence for help would eventually lead to their deaths. Friar Laurence was responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet because he married Romeo and Juliet, he was afraid of committing a sin, and because of his faulty plan for saving Juliet from a marriage to Paris.
Most movies portray friars as wise mentors, or strict religion-followers, that lead lawful, moral, and virtuous lives. But this tragic play of Romeo and Juliet begs to differ, as the friar does nothing but help achieve the forbidden plans of two star-crossed lovers. As Friar Lawrence gets involved more deeply into the schemes of Romeo and Juliet, he too begins to warp sly plans out of his head, such as the potion plan.
...id too better than lepers, beggars and that crew" (244-46, 111). The Friar cares only about pleasing himself and does not work to make other people's lives better. He neglects the people he is supposed to help and instead spends his time with the rich. These members of the clergy are not devout Catholics and have no right to be masquerading as one. By pretending to be something they are not, they bring corruption into the church.
The Summoner is a church official who brings people accused of violating church law to special courts set up by the church. This particular Summoner from "The Friar's Tale" is a deceitful, greedy person who uses his position as a church official to pressure innocent people into giving him "bribes" or money. He actually has a network of secret spies who report to him so that he can issue false summons and extort money from people. Instead of representing justice, he represents the exact opposite, injustice. Chaucer wrote this tale to show how greedy and corrupt church officials were during the Middle Ages.
Finally, the friars were to wander around the neighbouring towns to preach and aid the needy.... ... middle of paper ... ... The Roman Catholic Church’s reputation for wealth and power furnished them with the ability to have a major impact over feudal society.