Friar Lawrence of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

Friar Lawrence of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet, a play written by William Shakespeare, concerns two

lovers, from two feuding families, the Capulets and the Montagues.

Throughout the story, many characters contributed problems leading to

the deaths of the two lovers, Romeo and Juliet. Many, who know the

story of Romeo and Juliet, would conclude that the deaths of Romeo and

Juliet are caused by the wrongdoings of Friar Lawrence, one of the

main characters in the play. However, Friar Lawrence is not to blame

for the tragedy. Although his ideas did not work out as planned, his

intentions are honourable. He shows responsibility and honesty when he

continuously tries to help Romeo and Juliet work out their problems

until the end, and when he offers to sacrifice his life, after

explaining everything that had happened. Friar Lawrence also

demonstrates that he is quick to react and would perform the necessary

actions anyone would perform if they were in the same position. Other

factors caused Friar Lawrence's plans to go awry, including the

plague, and the lack of time to think things through.

When Friar Lawrence marries Romeo, son of Montague, and Juliet,

daughter of Capulet, his only intention is to restore peace between

the two households. The Capulets and the Montagues continue on with

the age-old hatred and envy between one another. Friar Lawrence first

learns of the love between Romeo and Juliet when Romeo came to him:

Then plainly know, my heart's dear love is set

On the fair daughter of rich Capulet;

As mine on hers, so hers is set on mine,

And all combin'd, save what thou must combine

By holy marriage (II.iii.57-61)

As Romeo tells the Friar whom he loves, he also asks him to marry

them. Initially, Friar Lawrence thinks it is particularly early for

them to marry for they had only met the night before.

However, Friar Lawrence decides that Romeo and Juliet's marriage could

create a bond between

the two households so he chooses to proceed with the ceremony.