Friar Lawrence's Mistakes

Friar Laurence When facing a menacing situation, how does one respond? If the two star-crossed lovers in William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet commit suicide by choice, how could someone else be responsible for their deaths? A legendary example is Friar Laurence, a respected holy man who is known as the mentor and trustworthy friend of Romeo. However, this is not who The Friar really is. Although he was completely aware of his actions and could have prevented events that led up to the two deaths, Friar Laurence's negligence and poor decision-making ultimately costs Romeo and Juliet their lives. During the Romeo and Juliet’s ordeal, The Friar knew the deepest details as Romeo constantly consulted to him, the adult in the situation

One of the biggest secrets he kept, that became one of his ultimate mistakes, was giving Juliet the potion, plunging her into a fake death coma. As the Capulets mourned her death, the Friar pretended that she was actually dead. His plan failed miserably when others, including Romeo, believed she truly passed away. As a result of Friar’s deception, Romeo killed himself and the Friar’s scheme clearly unraveled horribly. Juliet’s false death put her family and nurse on the verge as they lamented, “Accursed, unhappy, wretched, hateful day! Most miserable hour that e’er time saw” (4.5.51-52). Friar Laurence knew her pulse had only slowed down, but pretended not to and reassured the family that “all the better is it for the maid. . . heaven keeps his part in eternal life.” (4.5.78-80). Eventually, the his plot was unfoiled and the two tragic suicides struck. Lies and other deceitful acts are more likely to fail and have rash consequences than acts of honesty and integrity. Unfortunately, the Friar had to commit numerous wrongdoings before he came to the revelation that he was not as smart and sly as he

Some circumstances such as timing and obstacles in life cannot be prevented or controlled at all. It’s true that the stars stopped Romeo from receiving an important letter and had unfortunately timed Romeo’s death in the tomb. There were also countless characters and factors that led up to the appalling deaths, hence destiny may be the only true answer. However, the coincidences and cannot justify the Friar’s reckless actions. While some believe in fate, to others, it’s a mere coincidence or effect caused from our own actions. There were many times where the Friar could not only have prevented the suicidal thoughts among the teens, but he simply made the situation worse. He was expected to be astute and responsible, but constantly made poor choices. It’s apparent that the Friar is to blame for the tragedy, for he was a conceited coward who put his own interests above others’ and reality. A he worsened the situation was when he left Juliet in the tomb by herself. After hearing a noise, he attempted to rush Juliet out by saying, "Come, I'll dispose of thee among a sisterhood of holy nuns. Stay not to question, for the watch is coming. Come, go, good Juliet. I dare no longer stay" (5.3.169-172). Here he was a coward and was anxious to leave because he feared getting caught. Had he not left Juliet alone after her husband’s horrible death, she would have not killed