Friar Lawrence's Suicide In Romeo And Juliet

Friar Lawrence is aware that there are negative consequences, but because he chooses to ignore them, he is directly responsible for the suicide of Juliet. As Friar Lawrence prepares to marry Romeo and Juliet, he warns that, “violent delights have violent ends/And in their triumph die” (2.6 9-10). When Friar Lawrence states, “violent delights have violent ends,” he expresses that if people, or more specifically, Romeo and Juliet act too quickly on their emotions, the end result will not be pleasant. Additionally, when he gives the warning, “and in their triumph die,” this is foreshadowing of events that have yet to come. Going into Romeo and Juliet’s wedding, the Friar warns them that their relationship might not go as planned. He understands

She claims, “and with this knife, I’ll help it presently” (4.1 53-55). When Juliet makes this claim, she is threatening to kill herself, given that she is being forced to marry Paris. This is quite significant, as it is the first time that she has revealed her suicidal thoughts in front of Friar Lawrence, or anyone for that matter. Also, as a result of this action, he feels obligated to make the plan with her. Now that Friar Lawrence has seen that Juliet is suicidal, he understands just how crucial it is that she is happy and does not marry Paris. This sets the plan into motion, as he sees what could become of Juliet if she does not end up with Romeo. Even though Friar Lawrence is able to see the consequences of his actions, he still neglects to act upon them. While he knew that the marriage between Romeo and Juliet would not end well for either of them, he still went along with the plan. As they were about to get married, Friar Lawrence tells them, “You shall not stay alone/Till Holy Church incorporate two in one” (2.6 35-37). When the Friar tells Romeo and Juliet that the Church will, “incorporate two in one,” he means that they will be