Friar Lawrence To Blame In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

Romeo and Juliet has been credited as the most memorable love story of all time. William Shakespeare’s famous play follows two young teens on a journey to find love. Romeo and Juliet come from rival households and they look past that, blinded by young love. However, the two lovers are described as “star crossed” and that means that their love is doomed to tragedy. In this play, the two teens are influenced by many older advisors. Their parents and parental figures all play a part in this great love story and tragedy. The question is, who is responsible for these lovers’ deaths? There is no doubt that Friar Lawrence is to blame for this tragedy because he knew it was a mistake to wed these kids at such a young age and then he hatched a plan

Juliet goes to the friar, asking for a way to keep her from marrying Paris. The friar provides Juliet with a sleep potion to help thwart her parents’ plans. He says, “If, rather than to marry County Paris, Thou hast the strength of will to slay thyself, Then is it likely thou wilt undertake A thing like death to chide away this shame, That cop’st with death himself to ’scape from it; And if thou darest, I’ll give thee remedy,” (4,1,71-76). The friar clearly provides the means for Juliet to defy her parents. This action is done in secret and begins the chain of events that leads to her death. Others say the death of Romeo and Juliet was all Lady Capulets fault. The Capulets try very hard to get Juliet to marry Paris, the kinsman of the prince. In fact, the marriage of Paris and Juliet had been rushed to suit her parents’ liking. Lady Capulet tells Juliet, “Marry, my child, early next Thursday morning The gallant, young, and noble gentleman, The County Paris, at Saint Peter’s Church Shall happily make thee there a joyful bride.” (3,5,112-113). While it is true the parent’s choice to rush this marriage caused Juliet to take a rash action, it is the friar who supplied the potion. Friar Lawrence is involved in every secret in this story. He secretly marries Romeo and Juliet. He secretly devises a plan and gives Juliet the sleep potion. He secretly communicates with Romeo. He has a hand in every part of this story. Normally, priests are supposed to give good advice and counseling but, this priest definitely did