Considering the scene in which Friar Lawrence is introduced, Act II, Scene ii,a) Describe Friar Lawrence's activities and thoughts before Romeo enters.b) List the main points of conversation between Romeo and Friar Lawrence.

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Stephen Snider                                                                May 6, 2004

English Literature

Homework

Romeo and Juliet

  1. Considering the scene in which Friar Lawrence is introduced, Act II, Scene ii,
  1. Describe Friar Lawrence’s activities and thoughts before Romeo enters.
  2. List the main points of conversation between Romeo and Friar Lawrence.
  3. Establish five points that show the dramatic significance of this scene.

In the play Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare places an important role on the second scene of act two. All though it servers mainly as a scene to advance the plot it does introduce one major character and serve to set the stage for the following scenes. The character who is introduced is Friar Lawrence. Friar Lawrence is very essential to story as he is very instrumental in the actions that lead up to the conclusion of the story and also to the resolution of the story.

With the opening of the scene we see the good friar out in the garden of the Franciscans order. He enters holding a “osier cage” which he fills with weeds, herbs and flowers. In the early morning light we see him admiring the beauty of the world and especially that of his flowers. He demonstrates a deep knowledge of the properties of these flowers, both the good and the bad. In fact he shows a deep knowledge of one particular plant which in the coming scenes we will see that he makes a very useful potion that causes the body to simulate death.

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Friar Lawrence believes firmly in the unity of man with nature and that all things are part of another. This displays his great mental capacity and causes the audience to see from the get go that Friar Lawrence is a man of great wisdom and advice. He sees the good and evil in all and is not afraid to rebuke. It can be seen to be ironic though because before he even speaks to Romeo who is about to enter he has stated a theory that will be the downfall of the two lovers. He speaks of how good may ...

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