The character of Friar Laurence

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Friar Laurence: A Franciscan priest, he plays a crucial role in the play by marrying Romeo and Juliet's in his cell in the hope that the feud between the Montague and the Capulet's will now end. A friend of Romeo, he initially does not take Romeo's love for Juliet seriously, remembering Romeo's obsession with Rosaline. Later he unwittingly plays a part in the two lover's deaths when he first puts Juliet to sleep with a deathlike potion which fools Romeo into thinking Juliet is dead leading to his suicide by self administered poison followed by Juliet's death after her discovery that Romeo is dead. Friar Laurence's letter to Romeo explaining that Juliet was not really dead never made it to Romeo. At the end of the play, despite his own admission of guilt for Romeo's and Juliet's death, Escalus, The Prince of Verona forgives him.

We meet Romeo's friend, Friar Laurence. He wonders how Romeo can forget Rosaline so quickly but agrees to marry the two since he hopes that this marriage will finally end the Montague / Capulet feud...

Romeo arrives at the Friar's cell. The Friar who discusses the how his herbs can both help and harm, is surprised to meet his friend so early in the morning, suspecting that "Our Romeo hath [has] not been in bed to-night" (Line 42). Romeo confirms this and the Friar eventually learns that Romeo's heart is set on the fair daughter of the rich Capulet, Juliet. Specifically Romeo intends on marrying Juliet (Line 61).

The Friar asks what happened to the fair Rosaline (Lines 70-80). Romeo explains to the Friar that he was often criticized by the Friar "For doting, not for loving," (having crushes but not truly loving), (Line 83). The Friar agrees to marry Romeo and Juliet hoping that this union will end years of feuding. He warns of the dangers of quick love: "Wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast" (wisely and slow, those who run fast, stumble), (Line 94).

We learn that this play will be a tragedy and that the children (Romeo and Juliet) of two feuding families both alike in virtue, will both love and die...

Laurence suggests that Romeo should go to Juliet's bed chamber to comfort his wife...

The Friar informs an ignorant Romeo of the Prince's decree towards him. Romeo despairs; he will not be able to see Juliet again (Lines 12-14,17-22 and Lines 28-48). Romeo and the Friar hear knocking. Romeo reluctantly hides. It is the Nurse (Line 78). Romeo now asks of his wife (Line 92). We learn from the Nurse that Juliet now "weeps and weeps;" (Line 98).

With Romeo now threatening to draw his sword on himself (Line 106) for murdering Juliet's kinsman (Tybalt), Friar Laurence tells Romeo not to hate himself so completely. The Friar tells Romeo to "Ascend her chamber, hence and comfort her;" (go up to her bedroom and comfort her), but to not stay in the morning for it will not be safe for Romeo (Line 146). The Friar then suggests that Romeo head for Mantua where he will be safe...

Act IV. Scene I. - Verona. Friar Laurence's Cell.

Friar Laurence: "I do spy a kind of hope...."

Paris reveals that his wedding has been moved forward to Thursday, earlier than expected. Juliet is cold to Paris. Friar Laurence tells Juliet to take a potion simulating death, allowing Romeo to take her away unopposed to Mantua since everyone will think she is dead at the Capulet's ancient vault or burial ground.

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Within Friar's cell, Friar Laurence and Paris are speaking. Friar Laurence learns that the wedding between Paris and Juliet will occur earlier than planned, on Thursday (Lines 1-4). Paris explains that Juliet is very upset, presuming that this sadness is the result of Tybalt's death. The audience of course knows better; Juliet is mourning the imminent loss of her Romeo.

Juliet enters and Paris greets her warmly and enthusiastically. He believes Juliet has come to the Friar to confess her love for him (Line 23). Juliet cannot and her speech to him is hostile (Lines 22-32). Paris assumes Juliet ...

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