In the play Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare tells the tragic tale of the deaths of Romeo, a Montague, and Juliet, a Capulet. Various characters interact with Romeo and Juliet throughout the play in ways that result in their suicides. One such character, Friar Laurence, consistently encourages the irrational actions of these primary characters throughout the novel. The actions he insists that Romeo and Juliet carry out often prove to result in negative consequences. His involvement in their lives influences their actions the most, ultimately resulting in Romeo and Juliet’s deaths. More specifically, by providing Juliet with an unusual potion, encouraging the marriage of Romeo and Juliet, and failing to effectively communicate his intent, …show more content…
Shortly after Romeo and Juliet first meet, they decide to have an “exchange of [their] love’s faithful vow”, meaning a vow of marriage (Shakespeare 2.2.127). The two characters turn to Friar Laurence to officiate the marriage. While Friar Laurence agrees, his hopes for the marriage were not to make Romeo and Juliet happy, but rather to mend the feud between their families. He believes the “alliance” between the two would “turn [their] households’ rancor to pure love” (Shakespeare 2.3.90-92). Friar Laurence has other priorities that he sees as more important than the newlyweds and their happiness.When marrying Romeo and Juliet, Friar Laurence decides to “make short work” of the ceremony (Shakespeare 2.6.35). By rushing into the marriage and focusing only on the feud, Friar Laurence neglects Romeo and Juliet’s feelings, which prevents him from recognizing the mistakes of the marriage. He does not understand the extent of Romeo and Juliet’s love and is unprepared for the actions they will take to be with each other and the problems their love could create. If he had taken the time to understand what all of the consequences of the marriage would be, he could have prevented Romeo and Juliet’s deaths, thus proving the great influence the Friar has over