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Friar Lawrence Is To Blame

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In Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet," the tragic ending of the star-crossed lovers is the result of a conflict between their families. While several characters contribute to the tragic outcome, Friar Lawrence is the most at fault for their deaths. As a Franciscan friar and an advisor to both Romeo and Juliet, Friar Lawrence plays a significant role in the events that lead to the tragic ending. Throughout the play, Friar Lawrence is a complex character torn between his desire to help Romeo and Juliet and his fear of the consequences of his actions. Although he tries to do the right thing, his actions ultimately contribute to the tragic ending of the play. There are several examples that support the idea that he is most at fault for their …show more content…

in the quote, "In one respect I'll thy assistant be, for this alliance may so happy prove to turn your households' rancor to pure love" (Rom.II, III, 97). Secondly, when Friar Lawrence gives Juliet a potion that makes her appear dead, his plan goes wrong when the message couldn't be sent to Romeo, and Romeo believes Juliet is truly dead. This misunderstanding leads to both Romeo and Juliet's death. The quote, "Take thou this vial, being then in bed, And this distilling liquor drink thou off" (Rom.IV, I, 95), highlights Friar Lawrence's responsibility for this tragic event. Thirdly, Friar Lawrence's guilt is evident in the quote, "Come, go, good Juliet, I dare no longer stay" (V, III, 164). He feels responsible for the tragic outcome of the plan and is desperate to avoid being caught and punished for his role in the events that led to it. Lastly, Friar Lawrence reveals the truth about the events to the Capulets and Montagues, acknowledging his responsibility for the tragedy in the quote, "And here I stand, both to impeach and purge, myself condemned and myself excused" (Rom.V, III, 238). This shows that Friar Lawrence is the most at fault for the death of Romeo and

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