The Consequences Of Friar Laurence In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross once said, “1 believe that we are solely responsible for our choices, and we save to accept the consequences of every deed, word and thought throughout our lifetime.” This quote is related to William Shakespeare’s story, Romeo and Juliet because the choices made by Friar Laurence ultimately lead to Romeo and Juliet’s tragic ending. These choices had good intentions, but the lack of thought results in unintended consequences. Friar Laurence is responsible for the tragic ending because he performs the wedding, gives Juliet the potion, and leaves her alone in the tomb.

Friar Laurence marries the young teens, causing consequences in their future. When Romeo comes seeking help at Friar Laurence’s cell, Friar doesn’t seem to

In the cell, Friar Laurence calms Juliet down by giving her a potion: “To marry Paris. Wednesday is tomorrow./ Tomorrow night look that thou lie alone:/ Let not the nurse lie with thee in thy chamber./ Take thou this vial, being then in bed,/ And this distilled liquor drink thou off” (4.1 90-94). Friar Laurence doesn’t consider the possibility that something could go wrong in his plan. He sees a friend and wants to help, but he relies on too many assumptions and guesses. His reaction to Juliet’s need for help gave him immediate relief, but not long-term comfort. Friar says to Juliet, “No warmth, no breath, shall testify thou livest;/ The roses in thy lips and cheeks shall fade/ To paly ashes, thy eyes’ windows fall” (4.1 9100). When Friar explains to Juliet that she will look dead, he doesn’t expect that it will lead to Romeo committing suicide. Friar is well aware of the seriousness of the situation and should consider other options before resorting to dramatic measures. The plan was irrational and unsafe, yet he still performs it. His immediate choice to help a friend leads to permanent consequences that threaten the lives of many