The Advice of Friar Lawrence: a Lesson in Love and Tragedy

What advice does Friar Laurence give Romeo in Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet"? This question is central to understanding the motivations and actions of the characters in this timeless tragedy. Throughout the play, Friar Lawrence offers guidance to Romeo, which ultimately leads to both love and tragedy. By examining the advice given by Friar Lawrence, we can gain insights into the complexities of love, the consequences of impulsive actions, and the role of fate in our lives.

'The Advice of Friar Lawrence: a Lesson in Love and Tragedy'

The Nature of Love

Friar Lawrence's advice to Romeo shows his take on how tricky love can be. In Act II, Scene iii, he warns Romeo about getting too caught up in passion, saying, "These violent delights have violent ends." That's quite a mouthful! But basically, he's telling Romeo not to let his feelings get outta hand. Love is awesome but can also cause a mess. So, he suggests keeping things chill and balanced.

On top of that, Friar Lawrence tells Romeo to keep it real when it comes to love. He nudges him towards turning his infatuation with Rosaline into something deeper for Juliet. He says, "Therefore love moderately; long love doth so. / Too swift arrives as tardy as too slow." It's like saying: don't rush things; build your relationship brick by brick with patience and commitment.

The Consequences of Impulsive Actions

Sure, Friar Lawrence gives solid tips about love. But when he secretly marries Romeo and Juliet? That brings up another point — acting without thinking can backfire big time. The hope was that their secret marriage would end their families' feud. But boy, did things go sideways!

In Act II, Scene vi, he advises Romeo: "Wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast." Yet ironically, his own hasty choice contributes to all the chaos that follows. It's kind of a wake-up call for us about being cautious with our choices 'cause rushing often leads to disaster.

The Role of Fate

And then there's fate — that's another angle Friar touches on through his advice. He says in Act II, Scene iii: "A greater power than we can contradict / Hath thwarted our intents." Sounds mystical! Basically admitting there are forces beyond what we can control shaping our destinies.

This bit about fate? It raises some interesting questions around how much control we actually have over what happens in life versus events being already decided by something bigger than us.

Conclusion

Friar Lawrence's counsel covers many themes like crazy passionate love leading people astray or making snap judgments without thinking straight first — plus accepting stuff we just can't change due an unseen force at work called “fate.” His advice plays into why everything goes south eventually but leaves behind important lessons reminding us how life involves juggling these factors carefully every day—never easy yet always worthwhile pondering over!

Bibliography

• Shakespeare, William. "Romeo and Juliet." Edited by Jill L. Levenson, Oxford University Press, 2000.
• Bloom, Harold. "Bloom's Shakespeare Through the Ages: Romeo & Juliet." Infobase Publishing, 2008.
• Snyder, Susan. “The Genres of Shakespeare’s Plays.” Cambridge University Press, 1979.
• Lloyd Evans, Gareth. "Shakespeare IV: Histories & Poems." Addison-Wesley Longman Ltd., 1986.
• Kastan, David Scott (Ed.). “A Companion to Shakespeare.” Blackwell Publishers Ltd., 1999.