Lawrence Is To Blame For Romeo And Juliet's Death Essay

In the play “The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare, two lovers by the name Romeo and Juliet fall in love and get married in secret even though they are from rival families and end up tragically dying. Romeo and Juliet died because they would rather be dead than live a life without each other but someone has to be at fault. Although many characters play a part in their death the main culprit is Friar Laurence.

Firstly, Friar Laurence is responsible for Romeo and Juliet’s death because he married them. Romeo and Juliet's marriage was kept a secret from their families, which is what led to misunderstandings and eventually their deaths. In Act 2, Scene 6, Friar Laurence says to Romeo, “Come, Come with me, and we will make short work. For, by our leaves, you shall not stay alone till holy church incorporate two in one.” Friar Laurence also tells Romeo, “These violent delights have violent ends and in their triumph die, like fire and power, which, as they kiss, consume.” This proves Friar Laurence is at fault because he married them knowing the Montagues and Capulets had a rivalry that would cause a problem in their marriage.

In Act 4, Scene 1, he gives Juliet a potion that made her appear dead for 42 hours. Friar Laurence tells Juliet “Take thou this vial, being in bed, and this distilled liquor drink thou off when presently through all thy veins shall run a cold and drowsy humor for no pulse shall keep his native progress but surcease. No warmth, no breath shall testify.” This plan ends up not working because Romeo is not informed in time of the plan and due to his impulsiveness he decides it's best to drink poison and Juliet to do the