Friar Lawrence In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

“Two households, both alike in dignity” (Shakespeare 1.1.1 FIX). Thus starts one of the most influential stories in history, one of hate, love, youth, death, and vengeance.

In William Shakespeares classic play Romeo And Juliet, set in Verona, Italy during the Renaissance period, we follow the impulsive actions of the young lovers, their secret marriage, and the long-standing feud between their families. Friar Lawrence, a prominent character in the play, plays a significant role in the unfolding of events due to his actions, including his decision to devise a plan to fake Juliet's death, which ultimately results in disastrous consequences for the young lovers and their families.

Friar Lawrence's arrogant actions and traits significantly contribute

After giving Juliet the potion and sending the letter containing the crucial information that Juliet is not in fact dead to Romeo, Friar Lawrence receives the news that the letter was unable to be sent by Friar John, as he was quarantined by the city of Mantua. Upon hearing this, Friar Lawrence exclaims “Unhappy fortune! By my brotherhood/The letter was not nice but full of charge/Of dear import, and the neglecting it/May do much danger. Friar John, go hence. Get me an iron crow and bring it straight/Unto my cell” (5.2.14-22).Friar Lawrence's actions show a blatant disregard for the importance of the letter and reveal his arrogance on multiple levels. Firstly, instead of taking every precaution to ensure the timely delivery of the letter, Friar Lawrence fails to inquire about the possibility of delays when he entrusts Friar John with the crucial task. A responsible and levelheaded individual would have made sure to confirm if Friar John was capable of delivering the letter promptly, which he obviously was not. Furthermore, Friar Lawrence's failure to inform Friar John of the critical nature of the letter is another display of his arrogance. He neglects to convey the urgency and significance of the message, which ultimately results in Friar John not taking the necessary measures to ensure the letter reaches Romeo in time. By not emphasizing the importance of the letter, Friar

After coming to the tomb and discovering Romeo and Paris’s dead body after his plan goes horribly wrong, Friar Lawrence waits for the option to wear off, and after quickly conversating with the recently awoken Juliet, he panics and cries out that he hears“some noise. Lady, come from that nest/Of death, contagion, and unnatural sleep./A greater power than we can contradict/Hath thwarted our intents. Come, come away./Thy husband in thy bosom there lies dead,/And Paris too. Come, I'll dispose of thee/Among a sisterhood of holy nuns./Stay not to question, for the watch is coming./Come, go, good Juliet. I dare no longer stay” (5.3.151-159). Friar Lawrence's actions in this quote reflect his arrogance and lack of accountability. Rather than taking responsibility for his misguided and reckless actions, Friar Lawrence shifts the blame to fate, absolving himself of any wrongdoing. He states that fate has foiled his plan, implying that he had no control over the outcome. Furthermore, Friar Lawrence's proposed solution for Juliet is callous and dismissive of her feelings and desires. He suggests that she should leave her entire life behind and go live with a sisterhood of holy nuns, without considering the emotional turmoil and devastation she is experiencing. He does not take into account Juliet's love for Romeo or the complexity of her situation, showing a lack of empathy and understanding.