Romeo and Juliet - The role of Friar Lawrence.

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Romeo and Juliet - The role of Friar Lawrence.

In this essay I am going to explain how Friar Lawrence is responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet.

In Act 2 Scene 3 we first meet Friar Lawrence, there are lots of opposing contrasts used to describe him in this scene, 'The grey eyed morn smiles on the frowning night' and other description words like 'now ere the sun advances on his burning eyes'. Friar Lawrence is gathering flowers and herbs. He reflects that, like people, the flowers and herbs contain both healing medicine and poison, both good and evil.

Romeo finds consolidation in Friar Lawrence when he is faced with the dilemma of his love for Juliet. Friar Lawrence is happy to see Romeo when he visits his cell in Act 2 Scene 3.

Friar Lawrence often calls Romeo son or pupil. This is a reflection of how he sees his relationship with Romeo. He wants the best possible life for Romeo, his former pupil and dear friend. Friar Lawrence has a very strong relationship with Romeo, and often finds himself guiding and helping him through many situations, such as Romeos obsession with Rosaline and now his proposed marriage to Juliet.
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Whilst on his visit to Friar Lawrence's cell Romeo also informs the Friar that his love for Rosaline has now passed and been over thrown with his love for Juliet, the daughter of the Capulet family, his own family's rivals.

Romeo has been interested in Rosaline for some time by now, and has confided in Friar Lawrence many times before about his situation. Now in his cell, he is telling him that he no longer has any feelings for the lady he once thought he loved, Rosaline. Romeo now knows that all his feelings for her, that ...

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