The Role of Friar Lawrence in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet"

William Shakespeare's tragic play, "Romeo and Juliet," digs deep into themes like love, fate, and what happens when you act on impulse. A big part of this drama is Friar Lawrence, a wise but flawed character who really impacts the doomed romance of the two young lovers. Some folks wonder why he goes along with marrying Romeo and Juliet. But if you look closer, you'll see why he does it and what comes from his choices. This essay takes a good look at Friar Lawrence: who he is, why he marries them, and what happens because of it.

The Complex Character of Friar Lawrence

So, Friar Lawrence? He's a Franciscan friar who's shown as smart and kind. He’s like a mentor or a go-to guy for advice for not just Romeo and Juliet, but other folks in the story too. His knack for herbs and potions gives him an extra edge, making him seem like both a healer and advisor.

Why does he agree to marry these kids? Well, one big reason is his belief that their marriage might end the feud between the Montagues and Capulets. He thinks their love could bring peace. In Act 2, Scene 3, he says something like “Maybe this marriage will turn your families' hate into pure love” (2.3.98-99). That line shows he's hoping their love can stop all the fighting that's hurting Verona.

Plus, Friar Lawrence wants to help out wherever he can. He sees how much pain Romeo feels over Rosaline first and then with his crush on Juliet later on. The Friar figures by getting them hitched, maybe they’ll find happiness together. In Act 2, Scene 6, he mentions something like “I hope this holy act brings joy so we're not feeling bad later!” (2.6.1-2). It shows he really wants them to be happy in life.

The Implications of Friar Lawrence's Decision

Okay, so Friar Lawrence has good intentions—but marrying Romeo and Juliet secretly isn't without consequences. By doing it in secret, he risks them being found out and punished big time. This choice leads right to their tragic ends. Not only that but keeping it hush-hush complicates things between their feuding families even more instead of cooling things down like he'd hoped.

Then there’s that wild plan of his to fake Juliet’s death so she can reunite with Romeo—talk about misfired! It might’ve been well-meant but all it did was cause mix-ups that lead both youngsters straight to their deaths. His actions show how dangerous quick decisions can be when trying to mess with fate’s plans.

Conclusion

Friar Lawrence is kinda like the spark for all those sad events in "Romeo and Juliet." He means well—wanting peace—but marrying those two kids ends up sealing their doom instead of saving them. Believing in love's power drives him; wanting less suffering makes sense too...yet overlooking possible fallout shows the riskiness behind snap judgments. Through Friar Lawrence’s character arc here lies cautionary wisdom: our choices have real power over ourselves—and everyone around us!

References

• Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. Edited by Brian Gibbons, Oxford University Press, 2000.
• Baldwin, T.W., The Organization and Personnel of the Shakespearean Company, University of Illinois Press.
• Snyderman-Waters, M., "The Role of Fate in Shakespeare's Works", Journal of English Studies.
• Muir, K., A New Companion to Shakespeare Studies, Cambridge University Press.
• Berryman, J., "Character Analysis: Friar Lawrence", British Literature Review.