English Coursework
Friar Laurence is presented at the beginning of the play as a very cheerful and helpful person. Romeo comes to see the Friar first thing in the morning while he is picking flowers. The Friars entrance involves a soliloquy as he happily talks about why he likes picking flowers and also what he will do with them. Then Romeo walks in and greets him as a friend. The Friar then exclaims “Benedicite!” which means good bless you. This means the audience will react to him in a good way. Because he gives a good first impression the audience would probably have taken to him very early on.
Before Romeo even says any thing the Friar says “Or if not so, then here I hit it right: Our Romeo hat not been in bed tonight.” This means the Friar knows Romeo well as he can tell what is troubling him straight away. He then follows on to say “Wast thou with Rosaline?” This tells the audience that Romeo confides in the Friar and that Romeo sees him as a friend and someone trustworthy. Romeo then goes on to tell him about how he has no feelings for Rosaline any more and the person he loves is Juliet. The Friar is shocked by what Romeo tells him and says “Is Rosaline, whom thou didst love so dear, so soon forsaken? Young men’s love then lies Not truly in their hearts, but in their eyes.” This shows the Friar as a caring person. He shows he cares for Romeo by saying this because he is telling him not to get to far ahead of himself.
