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 Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Friar Lawrence plays a crucial role in the decisions made by the star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. The friar is a confidante for both Romeo and Juliet, advising them and even marrying them in secret. This ultimately sets off a chain of events that leads to tragedy in Verona.
One of the key decisions Friar Lawrence makes is to marry Romeo and Juliet in secret. He believes that their union may help to reconcile the feuding families and bring peace to Verona. In Act II, Scene 3, Friar Lawrence states, “For this alliance may so happy prove / To turn your households’ rancor to pure love.” This decision, however, ultimately leads to the lovers' downfall as their secret marriage sets off a series of misunderstandings and tragic events.
Throughout the play, Friar Lawrence continues to advise Romeo and Juliet, offering them guidance in their moments of crisis. When Juliet is faced with the prospect of marrying Paris, Friar Lawrence devises a plan to fake her death and reunite her with Romeo. This plan, however, ultimately leads to the tragic deaths of both lovers.
In the end, Friar Lawrence’s well-intentioned actions have dire consequences. His advice and assistance ultimately lead to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, as well as Paris. The friar may have had good intentions, but his involvement in the lovers’ lives only serves to exacerbate the conflict between the Capulets and Montagues.
II. While both Paris and Romeo are in love with Juliet in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, they are very different characters. Paris is a nobleman who follows tradition and seeks Juliet’s hand in marriage through her father's approval, while Romeo is a passionate young man who defies tradition and follows his heart.
One key difference between Paris and Romeo is their attitudes toward love. Paris sees marriage as a duty and a social contract, while Romeo sees love as a passionate and all-consuming force. Paris approaches his courtship of Juliet with decorum and respect for tradition, while Romeo is impulsive and willing to defy social norms in the pursuit of love.
Another difference between Paris and Romeo is their actions. Paris is willing to fight for Juliet’s hand in marriage, but ultimately meets his end at the hands of Romeo. Romeo, on the other hand, is willing to risk everything for his love for Juliet, even his own life.
Despite their differences, both Paris and Romeo meet tragic ends in their pursuit of Juliet. Paris meets his end in a duel with Romeo, while Romeo takes his own life upon believing Juliet to be truly dead. These tragic endings highlight the destructive nature of the feud between the Capulets and Montagues, as well as the complexities of love and loyalty in Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy.
In conclusion, Paris and Romeo may both love Juliet, but they are fundamentally different characters with contrasting attitudes toward love, tradition, and fidelity. Paris represents tradition and duty, while Romeo embodies passion and impulsiveness. Ultimately, both characters meet tragic ends in their pursuit of love, underscoring the destructive consequences of the feud between their families.