Responsibility And Consequences In Romeo And Juliet

The Tale of Irresponsibility and Consequence Even minor actions with good intentions can lead to the most tragic outcomes. This is a theme in William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet, which exemplifies that the imprudent choices Friar Lawrence makes often have consequences. Romeo and Juliet meet in the Italian city of Verona in the late 16th century, where they progress closer to their tragic fate over the span of a few days. When Romeo Montague meets Juliet Capulet at a party located at the Capulet home, he disregards his love for Rosaline and commits himself to Juliet. This leads to Romeo rising early in the morning to meet with Friar Lawrence, asking him to wed him and Juliet the morning following the night they meet and impulsively

An example that follows this claim is when Friar Lawrence is encountered by Romeo in his chamber after Romeo has been banished for committing the murder of Tybalt. Romeo comes to Friar Lawrence for guidance and threatens to end his life if he doesn’t reunite with Juliet again. Friar Lawrence says, Ascend her chamber. Hence comfort her and her. But look thou stay not till the watch be set, For then thou canst not pass to Mantua, Where thou shalt live till we can find a time To blaze your marriage. (Shakespeare 3.3.157-161). This scene demonstrates Friar Lawrence forming a plan for Romeo and Juliet to secretly meet one another and consummate their marriage, where afterwards they will head to Mantua and happily live there together. This supports the claim that Friar Lawrence makes risky decisions motivated by his desperation to end the feud between their families without awareness of the potential consequences his plans might bring to the lovers. Another instance of Friar Lawrence’s dangerous resolutions to issues between Romeo and Juliet is shown when Friar Lawrence forms a plan for Juliet to meet with