Friar Lawrence To Blame Essay

586 Words3 Pages

Oftentimes in life, people are faced with the blame in a situation. In William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, Friar Lawrence is to blame for Romeo and Juliet’s demise. Friar agrees to marry the young couple even though he at first knows he should not, Romeo and Juliet. Additionally, he thinks the hatred among the Capulets and Montagues will come to an end because of this marriage. Lastly, the Friar gives a vial to Juliet to pretend that she is dead. Although many could be at fault, Friar Lawrence stands out by his emotional vulnerability towards Romeo and Juliet, and his selfish decisions. Friar Lawrence is clearly at fault because he agrees to marry Romeo and Juliet who are rushing into their relationship which leads to the downfall of the tragedy. First, he deliberately does not inform the Capulets and the Montagues, which leads to the devastating reveal of the matrimony preceding their children’s death. Friar Lawrence’s vulnerability towards Romeo and Juliet shows as they are isolated from their families and Friar …show more content…

Friar Lawrence is completely oblivious to the long family feud that rests between the Capulets and Montagues. He takes no precaution of what the outcome of the marriage could be, and he takes action before thinking in this case. In the prologue, “Doth with their death bury their parents’ strife”, (Prologue.8) this shows how the marriage stirs things up and makes everything worse. Friar Lawrence says, “...in one respect thy I’ll assistant for this alliance may so happy prove to turn your households rancor to pure love.” (2.3.91-99) The Friar assumes this marriage will end the conflict that started many years ago. If the Friar confessed that he married the two families’ younglings, Romeo and Juliet would not have committed suicide, and would have still been