Friar's Relationship In Romeo And Juliet

507 Words2 Pages

Even without intending harm, the product of the Friar’s actions, marrying Romeo & Juliet, procuring the idea of a sleeping potion for Juliet, and leaving Juliet alone, inevitably led to the suffering of those he held dear.

Romeo comes to Friar Lawrence for a favor after having fallen in love in the day prior. Due to his care for Romeo and Juliet, the Friar agrees to join the impulsive young couple in marriage. The tragic events that follow can all be traced back to this one decision. In their conversation Romeo asks for Friar to marry him (Romeo) to Juliet. Friar Lawrence, knowing that there has been feuding between the two respective families, says to him, “In one respect I’ll thy assistant be, / For this alliance may so happy prove / To turn your households’ rancor to pure love” (2.3.97-99). The Friar, having dealt with these feuding families before for some time, agrees to the request of Romeo. The decision in joining Romeo and Juliet in marriage is the stepping …show more content…

In the town’s church Friar and Paris were discussing the topic of Juliet as she walks in. Juliet having no interest in Paris talks as little as possible until he leaves, so that she can talk with Friar Lawrence about what her options are in her position of having to marry Paris. Seeing as Juliet is in noticeable distress and in desperate need, Friar Lawrence answers her, “Take thou this vial [the sleeping potion], being then in bed, / And this distilling liquor drink thou off. / When presently through all thy veins shall run / A cold and drowsy humor” (4.1.95-8). Friar Lawrence, knowing that the way of suicide should be a last resort to avoid the undesirable marriage, suggests a more non-violent method to Juliet instead. The part in which Romeo was to be informed of Juliet’s sleeping potion facade failed to make its way, and forces Friar Lawrence to rush to prevent Romeo’s impulsive and impetuous

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