The Role of Friar Lawrence in Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

The Role of Friar Lawrence in Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Friar Lawrence was one of the most important characters in the novel. Even though he was not on the stage for most of the play he greatly contributed to the tragedy that would soon happen at the end of the play. There was basically three major parts that lead to the death of Romeo and Juliet, which Friar Lawrence was involved in all of them. Friar Lawrence played a vital role in the marriage, planning and death of Romeo and Juliet. His attempts to do the right thing were noble, but because of poor planning they would soon lead to the inevitable tragedy.

Friar Laurance marries Romeo and Juliet even though he believes that the marriage will end up in tragedy. However he marries them in hope that it will end the continuous feuding between the two families. When Romeo asks Friar Laurance to marry him with Juliet the Friar doesn't think that his love is true. "O, she knew well/Thy love did read by rote and could not spell." (Act 2, Scene 3, 87-88). As was his love for Rosaline, the Friar believes that his love for Juliet will not last. Even though he thinks that the marriage is flawed he agrees to marry them in his own self interest of ending the feuding. "Come, come with me, and we will make/short work;/For, by you leaves, you shall not stay alone/Till Holy Church incorporate two in one." (Act 2, scene 6, 34-27). This is the first action that will eventually lead to the young couples' deaths. He marries them even though he forebodes that the marriage may end in tragedy. These violent delights have violent ends/And in their triumph die, like fire and powder,/Which, as they kiss, consume (Act 2, scene 6, 9-11). The Friar's intentions are well, however he himse...

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...gone to Juliet's tomb sooner, however he failed once again to succeed in his plans. If the Friar would have taken action sooner when he heard news of his message not being delivered, the tragedy could have been avoided.

The rushed marriage, the ill-planning and carelessness of Friar Laurence lead to the death of Romeo and Juliet. Several references are made to the fate of Romeo, however, this tragedy could have been avoided if the Friar had given a little more thought to the course of his actions. There will be much controversy over what or who was responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, but many clues are left by Shakespeare which point in the direction of Friar Laurence. The responsibility of their deaths will continue to be debated for many years to come. " For never was a story of more woe/ than this of Juliet and her Romeo" (Act 5, scene 3, 309-310)