In the Prologue of Romeo and Juliet, the Chorus describes the unfortunate events of Romeo and Juliet’s death as “star cross’d”, or destined to end tragically. However, I believe that their deaths are consequences of the actions of many. As Romeo’s friend and trusted advisor, Friar Laurence had an immense amount of influence over the course of the play and how it unfolded. The friar had his doubts from the start, when Romeo came to him asking to perform the marriage ritual. Many people never learn from their mistakes—and the friar is no different. “That after hours with sorrow chide us not!” (2, 6, 2) Throughout the course of the play, Friar Laurence vocalized his concerns, yet it was obvious that his warnings to Romeo were unheeded. “Amen, amen! …show more content…
On top of devising a flimsy plan with too many uncontrollable variables to stop the wedding between Romeo and Juliet, Friar Laurence failed to carry out his part of the plan. “In the mean time, against thou shalt awake, shall Romeo by my letters know our drift.” (4, 1, 113-114) As the readers find out, the letter never made it to Mantua. Only after Friar John returned with the letter did Friar Laurence reveal that the letter contained vital information that could mean life-or-death. “The letter was not nice but full of charge of dear import, and the neglecting it may do much danger.” (5, 2, 18-20) The friar was irresponsible and his actions do not reflect the gravity of his words. After unsuccessfully getting Juliet to follow him to safety as Juliet awakens from her death-like state in the tomb, Friar Laurence made a hasty