Choose one of the following essay prompts. I. In Act IV, Scene 1 of Romeo and Juliet, Juliet cries, “O, bid me leap, rather than marry Paris . . . And I will do it without fear or doubt.” Both Romeo and Juliet seek out Friar Lawrence for counsel during their difficulties. How does he affect their decisions, and eventually, the outcome of the play? Write an essay analyzing the cause-and-effect relationship between the two lovers and Friar Lawrence. You may want to address why Friar Lawrence marries the two in the first place, and the results of his advice throughout the story. The introduction of your essay should include an attention-getter and thesis statement. The body of your essay should explore how and why Friar Lawrence orchestrates many of the developments in the plot. Close your essay with an overall conclusion, including a restatement of the thesis. II. By the end of Romeo and Juliet, Paris and Romeo, both of whom loved Juliet, are dead. The two characters, however, are very different. Write an essay comparing and contrasting the two men. The introduction of your essay should include an attention-getter and thesis statement. The body of your essay should provide examples of similarities and differences regarding their attitudes toward love, traditions, and fidelity, as well as their actions. Close your essay with an overall conclusion, including a restatement of the thesis.
I. In Act IV, Scene 1 of Romeo and Juliet, Juliet cries, “O, bid me leap, rather than marry Paris . . . And I will do it without fear or doubt.” Both Romeo and Juliet seek out Friar Lawrence for counsel during their difficulties. How does he affect their decisions, and eventually, the outcome of the play? Throughout the story of Romeo and Juliet, Friar Lawrence plays a crucial role in the lives of the two lovers. His actions and advice have a significant impact on the decisions made by Romeo and Juliet, ultimately leading to the tragic ending of the play.
One of the first ways in which Friar Lawrence influences the outcome of the play is by agreeing to marry Romeo and Juliet in secret. Despite knowing that their families are sworn enemies, Friar Lawrence agrees to perform the marriage ceremony in hopes that it will help to unite the two families. However, this decision ultimately leads to the tragic events that unfold, as the secret marriage only serves to further escalate the feud between the Montagues and Capulets.
Additionally, Friar Lawrence provides key advice and guidance to both Romeo and Juliet throughout the story. When Juliet is faced with the prospect of marrying Paris, Friar Lawrence comes up with a plan to help her avoid the unwanted marriage. He gives her a potion that will make her appear dead for a short time, allowing her to escape and reunite with Romeo. However, this plan ultimately goes awry, leading to the deaths of both Romeo and Juliet.
Overall, Friar Lawrence’s actions and advice play a major role in the tragic outcome of Romeo and Juliet. His decisions to marry the two in secret and provide them with a risky escape plan ultimately lead to their deaths. Friar Lawrence’s well-intentioned efforts to help the two lovers only serve to further complicate their situation, ultimately resulting in the heartbreaking ending of the play.
II. By the end of Romeo and Juliet, Paris and Romeo, both of whom loved Juliet, are dead. The two characters, however, are very different. Paris, a nobleman, is engaged to Juliet by her parents, whereas Romeo is a Montague, a sworn enemy of the Capulets. Paris is obedient to the traditions and expectations of society, while Romeo is impulsive and passionate in his pursuit of love. Despite their differences, both Paris and Romeo share a deep love for Juliet, which ultimately leads to their tragic fate.
Paris represents the ideal suitor according to societal norms. He is willing to marry Juliet purely out of love and respect for her, even though it is an arranged marriage. Paris adheres to the traditions of his time and is respectful of Juliet’s wishes, even when she refuses to marry him. In contrast, Romeo defies societal expectations in pursuit of his love for Juliet. He is willing to go to great lengths, including risking his own life, to be with her. His impulsive nature and willingness to act on his emotions ultimately lead to his untimely death, as well as Juliet’s.
Despite their differing approaches to love and traditions, both Paris and Romeo are ultimately driven by their deep affection for Juliet. While Paris represents the obedience and respect for societal norms, Romeo embodies the passionate and impulsive nature of love. In the end, both men meet tragic ends due to their love for Juliet, underscoring the powerful and destructive nature of love in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.