In William Shakespeare’s play, The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, Friar Laurence introduces the theme that men are both good and evil, when he states, “Two such opposed kings encamp them still, in man, as well as herbs, grace and rude will” (I.ii.28). A long feud between Romeo’s family, the Montagues, and Juliet’s family, the Capulets, disrupts the city of Verona and causes tragic results for Romeo and Juliet. Their families would not allow the two of them to speak with one another let alone allow their marriage, so along the way they seek help from their Friar. He provides quick help with a plan to keep Romeo and Juliet together. Friar Laurence is both honorable and dishonorable when taking responsibility for his actions.
As a holy man …show more content…
Juliet comes to Friar Laurence in need of his assistance to marry her true love Romeo. Friar Laurence says,”In one respect I’ll thy assistant be; For this alliance may so happy prove, To turn your households rancour to pure love” (II.ii.90-92). He does so willingly only because he believes that with this marriage it will stop the fighting between the two households. Although neither Romeo nor Juliet’s parents know of this ceremony Friars intentions in creating peace are very righteous. Not too long after their marriage, Romeo gets banished from Verona for killing a man who killed his best friend. With this, Juliet is heartbroken and goes to Friar Laurence to yet again seek help. He then comes up with a plan that consists of Juliet drinking a potion that will put her in a death like state, making her family and friends think she is dead. So she will then be laid in a tomb. Friar will …show more content…
When Friar goes to rescue Juliet from the tomb he becomes afraid of what could happen if someone found him there with Juliet alive. Friar Laurence says,”Come, go, good Juliet, I dare no longer stay”(V.iii.159-160). He was so cowardly that he left Juliet to fend for herself. Fleeing from the scene did not help because he was eventually caught by authorities. Friar, being caught, was demanded to try to explain himself and the situation. Friar laurence says,”Or in my cell there would she kill herself. Then gave I her, tutor’d by my art, A sleeping potion… But, as it seems, did violence on herself… her nurse is privy”(V.iii.241-265). As Friar explains, he shifts the blame many times. He explains that it couldn't have been his fault because he had to or else Juliet would have killed herself, and he also makes the point to add that Juliet’s nurse had full knowledge of the events as well. Friar laurence changed his morals throughout the story from good to
As a holy man …show more content…
Juliet comes to Friar Laurence in need of his assistance to marry her true love Romeo. Friar Laurence says,”In one respect I’ll thy assistant be; For this alliance may so happy prove, To turn your households rancour to pure love” (II.ii.90-92). He does so willingly only because he believes that with this marriage it will stop the fighting between the two households. Although neither Romeo nor Juliet’s parents know of this ceremony Friars intentions in creating peace are very righteous. Not too long after their marriage, Romeo gets banished from Verona for killing a man who killed his best friend. With this, Juliet is heartbroken and goes to Friar Laurence to yet again seek help. He then comes up with a plan that consists of Juliet drinking a potion that will put her in a death like state, making her family and friends think she is dead. So she will then be laid in a tomb. Friar will …show more content…
When Friar goes to rescue Juliet from the tomb he becomes afraid of what could happen if someone found him there with Juliet alive. Friar Laurence says,”Come, go, good Juliet, I dare no longer stay”(V.iii.159-160). He was so cowardly that he left Juliet to fend for herself. Fleeing from the scene did not help because he was eventually caught by authorities. Friar, being caught, was demanded to try to explain himself and the situation. Friar laurence says,”Or in my cell there would she kill herself. Then gave I her, tutor’d by my art, A sleeping potion… But, as it seems, did violence on herself… her nurse is privy”(V.iii.241-265). As Friar explains, he shifts the blame many times. He explains that it couldn't have been his fault because he had to or else Juliet would have killed herself, and he also makes the point to add that Juliet’s nurse had full knowledge of the events as well. Friar laurence changed his morals throughout the story from good to