Friar Lawrence: To Blame, or Not To Blame?

Authors Avatar

Charlotte Vergara                                                                             CV1

English 2D

Mrs. Gittins

Thursday, October 28, 2004

Friar Lawrence: To Blame, or Not To Blame?

Romeo and Juliet, a play written by William Shakespeare, concerns two lovers, from two feuding families, the Capulets and the Montagues.  Throughout the story, many characters contributed problems leading to the deaths of the two lovers, Romeo and Juliet.  Many, who know the story of Romeo and Juliet, would conclude that the deaths of Romeo and Juliet are caused by the wrongdoings of Friar Lawrence, one of the main characters in the play.  However, Friar Lawrence is not to blame for the tragedy.  Although his ideas did not work out as planned, his intentions are honourable.  He shows responsibility and honesty when he continuously tries to help Romeo and Juliet work out their problems until the end, and when he offers to sacrifice his life, after explaining everything that had happened.  Friar Lawrence also demonstrates that he is quick to react and would perform the necessary actions anyone would perform if they were in the same position.  Other factors caused Friar Lawrence’s plans to go awry, including the plague, and the lack of time to think things through.

Join now!

When Friar Lawrence marries Romeo, son of Montague, and Juliet, daughter of Capulet, his only intention is to restore peace between the two households.  The Capulets and the Montagues continue on with the age-old hatred and envy between one another.  Friar Lawrence first learns of the love between Romeo and Juliet when Romeo came to him:                

Then plainly know, my heart’s dear love is set

On the fair daughter of rich Capulet;

As mine on hers, so hers is set on mine,

And all combin’d, save what thou must combine

By holy marriage (II.iii.57-61)

As Romeo tells the ...

This is a preview of the whole essay