The Friar's False Sense Of Control In Romeo And Juliet

Puppet Master? : The Friar’s False Sense of Control in Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Ryan Yu
ENG2DB-01
Sir T. Bright
June 6, 2023

Fate and human error are often thought of as two completely unrelated subjects. After all, how can fate be predetermined when humans seemingly have control over their own actions? Both of these themes, however, are connected through one character - Friar Laurence. His influence causes all the events leading up to the tragedy. In William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, fate and human error, which Friar Laurence’s actions represent, are in complete control of the tragic relationship between Romeo and Juliet. Friar Laurence is the holiest, most logical and trusted character in the play and lays the entire

Friar gives one of his most important pieces of advice to Romeo when he tells him that “Wisely, and slow. They stumble that run fast” (2.3.94). As is often said, experience is only achieved through the passage of time and only once a certain age is reached can the speed at which life comes and goes be understood. This advice that Friar gives is a culmination of his life’s experiences. Friar’s age has allowed him to gain many insights not seen yet by the more youthful Romeo and Juliet. As such, his advice would be very beneficial for the couple and even Friar himself to keep in mind when proceeding with the marriage. Friar goes against this advice, however, and decides that the risky opportunity to unite the two families is worth the potentially catastrophic consequences if any part of his plans goes wrong. In terms of his desire, Friar seeks to control every aspect of the couple’s secret wedding plan. As Romeo is about to do himself harm by drawing his dagger, Friar interjects with “Hold thy desp’rate hand. Art thou a man? / Thy form cries out thou art, / Thy tears are womanish, thy wild acts denote / The unreasonable fury of a beast.” (3.3.108-11). By doing so, Friar is further committing to keeping both Juliet and Romeo alive and able to marry to achieve his goal of unifying the families. Through his ensuing speech, he is able to calm Romeo and convince him to run off to Mantua and bide his time. Uncoincidentally, the Nurse was also in the room listening and was also heavily influenced by this speech. She believes that Friar is giving very good advice, stating, “O Lord, I could have stayed here all the night / To hear good counsel. O what learning is.” (3.3.159-160). At this point, Friar is already beginning to control people in order to achieve his goals. By the nurse listening in and Friar giving away some key pieces of