Friar John Character Analysis

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In Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, their death was not only inevitable, but can be accredited to the secrets and lies that influenced the character’s decisions and choices. Looking from the surface, it apparent to the reader that Friar John is responsible for their death because he did not get the message to Romeo;however, had Friar Laurence informed Friar John of the life or death circumstance, it is plausible that his attempt to inform Romeo would have had a greater sense of urgency rather than maintaining a casual and calm attitude. Throughout most of the play, Friar Laurence is involved with Romeo and Juliet’s hidden marriage, and his plans to try to keep it a secret are what eventually cause their death. In order to limit suspicion when When Friar Laurence realizes Romeo did not get the message he rushes to where Juliet has been “buried” and finds Romeo’s body, as well as an awake and distraught Juliet. At this moment, the Friar could have stayed with Juliet to not only comfort her, but to prevent her from harming herself; nevertheless, when he hears a noise, he is so caught up in continuing this lie that he leaves her alone leading to her death. Shakespeare describes this as a “noise within” that compels the Friar to leave. Before leaving he turns to Juliet and says, “Stay not to question, for the watch is coming; come, go, good Juliet, I dare no longer stay”(Shakespeare V.III) At this moment the noise the Friar hears worries him because if someone were to enter they would realize his part in this and he would face punishment. Furthermore, this idea is further captured when Shakespeare uses the word dare, to show not only that the Friar is leaving, but that he is doing so out of fear because he does not want to face up to the truth. Due to this, the Friar is so driven to keep this secret that he takes the risk of leaving Juliet alone to save himself which results in yet another young death. Even though the Friar left Juliet alone, this tragic death is due to

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