Romeo and Juliet: Who is to blame? Shakespeare's timeless tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, is a classic, innovative tale featuring many complex and interesting themes. Taking place in Verona, Italy, the famous and popular play, created by Shakespeare, features two star-crossed lovers, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, who eventually commit suicide because of their parents' brutal and evil quarrel. While many characters can be looked at as responsible for their tragic ends, Friar Lawrence, who was supposed to be a religious and well-meaning source of guidance throughout the play, must be blamed for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. The reasons for this are his detrimental advice, extremely selfish personality, and how he agreed to marry the two very immature lovers in the first place. …show more content…
Friar Lawrence knew exactly how impulsive and immature Romeo was if the letter somehow didn't make it to him. The following quote shows the Friar further acknowledging this fact. “Holy Saint Francis, how much you have changed! So, Rosaline, whom you loved so much, is so quickly forgotten?” (2, 3, 66–68). Throughout the entire story, if he had more carefully thought through and contemplated his plans and advice, it most definitely would have prevented their deaths. Another example to further prove the point is how he had many chances and opportunities to prevent the wedding of Juliet and Paris. The following quote comes from when Paris came to Friar Lawrence for support and advice about the wedding. “I wish I didn't know why this wedding must be slowed down.” (4,1, 16-17). This is said by the friar himself, demonstrating an opportunity he had to prevent the two from getting married. In the end, if the friar had been more careful and contemplated his advice, it most definitely would have prevented the deaths of Juliet and