Friar Lawrence in Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

The story of Romeo and Juliet was filled with a tragedy caused by two feuding families with an end of death. But could the fatal demise of these two been averted if one character had played a better part. This character is Friar Lawrence a man of the church renowned for his power of healing. When the lovers turned to him he married them, gave both advice in their ties of need and supplied a plan to bring them back together. But was the Friar responsible for such a crime and when they both lay dead was the blood on his hands.

Friar Lawrence - Angel or Devil?

The play Romeo and Juliet describes the aggressive and disorganized relationship of two young and naivee teenagers. Alone these two characters would not have been able to get married without their parents?consent and holding the relationship together. Without the help of Friar Lawrence none of this would have been possible. However from the disastrous finish of the play the question of whether Friar Lawrence's intentions were good or evil arises.

At first glance Friar Lawrence's intentions of helping Juliet and Romeo marry are good. The comment perhaps this marriage will reunite the families?seems convincing, however, perhaps he knew what the faith of these characters would be ?death; or perhaps through incomprehensive thought and disorganization he made honest mistakes.

In all of Shakespeare's play there is a clear Protagonist, whether they are naive or mature, a comic relief character who breaks the tragedy slightly; and finally an Antagonist. However all but one follows this code. In Romeo and Juliet there is no clear Antagonist considering their where enemies from both sides. The only possible solution for this unusual circumstance, it can only be concluded that the antagonist must have been under disguise and worked through deceit.

He may not have from the beginning set out for such evil ways but the events played out that he was forced to make rash decisions.

Each of these two families turned to the Friar so he acted as a bridge and his wisdom was sought for by Romeo and Juliet from him. The first person Romeo turned to tell of his love of Juliet was the friar this begins the idea of a trust and faith in the friar. Naturally it would be assumed that because Romeo had revealed a secret that could split the city in two he is a Mentor providing advice.