To what extent is Friar Lawrence responsible for the downfall of Romeo and Juliet?

        We can also see that Romeo respects the wise Friar as when given advice on Rosaline or Juliet, Romeo listens. An important, ironic advice that the Friar gives that predicts the entire play is ‘Wisely and slow. They stumble that run fast.’  Another sign of respect for the Friar is seen when Romeo greets him. However, we too can see that the Friar respects Romeo. At first when Romeo told the Friar of his love for Juliet, he disapproved, but then agreed to help as he hoped that their love for each other would turn their family rivalry into pure love. This not only shows respect for Romeo’s decision, but concern of the well being of both households.

        The next time the Friar appears is in act 3 scene 3, Romeo and Juliet’s wedding. Although he does not say much, his presence is crucial. He plays the part of the priest, a friend and a witness. This scene is the turning point of the play, and Friar Lawrence is responsible. Although Friar Lawrence should not have married the young couple, he did it out of love, respect and concern.

        Another important scene is act 4 scene 1, after Romeo is banished and Tybalt slain. In this scene, Friar Lawrence gives Juliet the potion made of herbs, which gives us a flashback of act 2 scene 3, when Friar Lawrence first enters the play. Despite the fact that Friar Lawrence is wrong, he is not entirely to blame as it was Juliet who asked for help.

        The only scene which shows disappointment in the Friar is in act 5 scene 3. In this scene, Romeo kills himself, and Juliet awakens finding Romeo dead, thus killing herself. In fear of being found, Friar Lawrence runs away. We as the audience feel disappointed in him as this is the first time we see him ‘run away’ from a situation. However, because of the Friar’s weak side which leads to Juliet’s suicide, we cannot blame the Friar for Juliet’s actions. If the Friar had not left, Juliet would still have committed suicide, thus leading to the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.

        Despite Friar Lawrence’s rash decisions such as giving Juliet the potion, marrying Romeo and Juliet and advising the young couple, I still feel that we cannot blame the Friar for the death of Romeo and Juliet, but can only label their tragedy as fate.

        It was fate which prevented Romeo from receiving the letter from the Friar, and it was fate that Juliet woke up after Romeo poisoned himself, and it was fate which did not allow the Friar to contact Romeo in time. All the key points which led to the death of the ‘two star-crossed lovers’ were controlled by fate and were inevitable, even for Friar Lawrence.  

        In conclusion, I feel that it was fate which led to the downfall of Romeo and Juliet, and not Friar Lawrence. Despite the Friar’s impetuous decisions which helped the downfall of Romeo and Juliet, if it were not fate, the tragic story of Romeo and Juliet would not exist.