How important is Friar Lawrence in the outcome of the play?

The first 200 words of this essay...

Discuss the role & importance of Friar Lawrence in Romeo & Juliet

Was Friar Lawrence the cause in the outcome of events in the play Romeo & Juliet? The play, written by Shakespeare is a tragic love story which takes place in Verona and all events happen in five days. The play is based on the poem "The Tragicall history of Romeus and Juliet" by Arthur Brooke. It was written between 1594 and 1596 and is still one of the great plays in the world. Friar Lawrence is one of the most important characters in the play because of his part in events.

Friar Lawrence has many roles in the play. He is an apothecary, who studies plants and medicines. We are introduced to him in Act 2. We see that he has detailed knowledge because he knows all the properties of different plants and herb. He talks about a plant which "Within the infant rind of this small flower poison hath residence and medicine power...Being tasted...slays senses with the heart" He says the flower can be used for heal and kill purposes, which illustrates the duality of human nature. The fact that the Friar is an