1. 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
, to summarize your main points.
In William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Friar Lawrence plays a critical role in shaping the decisions and the ultimate outcome of the play. Through his actions and advice, both Romeo and Juliet are influenced in significant ways that lead to the tragic end of the young lovers.
At the beginning of the play, Friar Lawrence marries Romeo and Juliet in secret, hoping that their union will bring an end to the feud between their families. This decision sets off a chain of events that ultimately leads to the downfall of the two lovers. Despite his good intentions, Friar Lawrence's actions only serve to exacerbate the conflict between the Montagues and the Capulets.
Throughout the play, Friar Lawrence acts as a mentor and confidante to both Romeo and Juliet, offering them guidance and advice. However, his advice often proves to be misguided or ill-advised, leading to disastrous consequences for the young lovers. For example, Friar Lawrence gives Juliet a potion to fake her own death in order to be with Romeo, a plan that ultimately leads to the tragic deaths of both Romeo and Juliet.
Overall, Friar Lawrence's influence on Romeo and Juliet proves to be both a blessing and a curse. While he initially brings the two lovers together in marriage, his subsequent actions only serve to deepen the rift between their families and ultimately lead to their untimely deaths.
In conclusion, Friar Lawrence's role in Romeo and Juliet is a complex one that highlights the intricacies of human nature and the consequences of one's actions. Despite his good intentions, Friar Lawrence's influence ultimately leads to the tragic end of the young lovers. Through his character, Shakespeare explores the themes of love, fate, and the power of external influences in shaping our destinies.