Analyse the dramatic impact of Friar Lawrence in the play Romeo and Juliet

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Chris Ryan 11a                        

Analyse the dramatic impact of Friar Lawrence

in the play Romeo and Juliet

The play “Romeo and Juliet” has many characters, each with their individual role in sustaining the plot.  Although Friar Lawrence spends only a little time on stage, his role is fundamental to understanding the morals of the play.  This essay explores the significance and dramatic impact of Friar Lawrence on the play and his influence on other characters.

The essence of young love is expressed in no better play than in “Romeo and Juliet”.  The play is not a simple love story; it is as much about hate as it is about love and the morals of society.  The play is set in Verona where Romeo and Juliet fall instantly in love at a masked ball; however the secrecy of the forbidden love becomes overwhelming and ends up with the eventual deaths of Romeo and Juliet.  Shakespeare also uses themes such as fate, because in this era common people believed strongly in religion and mysticism.  This invites the question; “was the death of Romeo and Juliet due to fate or the influence of other characters, such as Friar Lawrence?  

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Different aspects of Friar Lawrence’s character are exposed through the relationship he has with that particular person.  To all of Verona he is a priest and spiritual adviser; to Romeo he is a teacher as well as a father figure;

"Thou chid'st me oft for loving Rosaline."

"For doting, not for loving, pupil mine."

(2.3.81-82),

Trust slowly develops between Juliet and Friar Lawrence; this is evident when she visits him to discuss the banishment of Romeo.  It is interesting to note that although many people seek guidance from Friar Lawrence, he nevertheless has a stronger ...

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