The Role Of Friar Lawrence In Romeo And Juliet Essay

In Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet, the two main characters tragically die by committing suicide for one another. It was due to ill-communication and misunderstandings that these young lovers died. So who is to at fault for this miscommunication? In my opinion, Friar Lawrence is the most at fault. It was his irresponsible behaviors which lead to the start of many problems.

Friar Lawrence was supposed to be a positive figure in Romeo and Juliet’s lives. He was a holy man, someone who was supposed to help get both of them through difficult decisions so they could remain on the right path. Instead, he aided them in making unreasonable and stupid decisions, like getting married without their families’ knowledge. He could have helped Romeo

He acts impulsively, and does whatever he is asked to do. Upon being asked to marry Romeo and Juliet, he agrees rather quickly. Upon being told by Juliet to help her get out of a marriage, he agrees. He gives an incredibly powerful potion to a very young girl, with hardly any instructions. Here Friar is speaking to Juliet, telling her of his plan to fake her death so she can be with Romeo: “Take thou this vial, being then in bed,/And this distillèd liquor drink thou off,/When presently through all thy veins shall run/A cold and drowsy humor, for no pulse.” (Act IV, Scene I, lines

Another who shares it with him is Romeo. Romeo acted hastily the entire play. He never once stopped to think over his actions until it was too late, and never asked for help when he clearly needed it. He could have thought about wanting to be with Juliet, and maybe he could have asked for her hand in marriage and maybe Capulet would have said yes. Instead, he went straight to Friar Lawrence and they got married in secret. He killed Tybalt out of revenge and rage, and then got himself banished. Regardless of all Romeo’s careless mistakes, he absolutely could not complete these tasks