Friar Lawrence Responsible For The Deaths Of Romeo And Juliet

Those Who Killed Romeo and Juliet

The deaths of Romeo and Juliet in William Shakespeare’s play are both tragic and romantic. Although much could have been done to prevent their suicides, these “star-crossed” lovers ultimately are unable to avoid their destiny. A series of unfortunate circumstances result in disaster and even though many people can be blamed for their deaths, Friar Lawrence, Tybalt, and Lord Capulet play particularly integral roles. Friar Lawrence can be held responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. Friar Lawrence gives Juliet an elixir that allows her to fake her death which ultimately led to the suicide of both Romeo and Juliet. In the play, Friar Lawrence says to Juliet, “Take thou this vial, being then in bed, and this distilling liquor drink thou off; when presently through all thy veins shall run a cold and drowsy humor; for no pulse shall keep his native progress, but surcease” (Act. 4 S. 1 L. 95). This quote shows that Friar Lawrence gave Juliet a vial that would hide her pulse and make her unconscious to fake her death. This fooled Romeo and made him commit suicide since he believed Juliet had died. Juliet did the same after Romeo died, killing herself out of

Tybalt killed Mercutio even after Romeo warned him to cease fighting which led to Romeo’s banishment. According to the text, Romeo states, “The prince expressly hath forbid this bandying in Verona streets. Hold, Tybalt! Good Mercutio! Romeo attempts to beat down their rapiers. Tybalt stabs Mercutio” (Act. 3 S. 1 L. 89). In this quote, Tybalt stabs Mercutio which angers Romeo and leads Romeo to kill Tybalt in a battle shortly after. The Prince exiles Romeo to Mantua for fighting in the streets of Verona, sparing him death only because it was self-defense. This splits Romeo and Juliet apart which led to Juliet’s plan of faking her death being miscommunicated to Romeo, leading him to think she truly