Romeo And Juliet

Romeo and Juliet: Friar Lawrence Analysis, Good or Bad?

Uploaded by cheetahbob on Jun 10, 2004

Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare Essay

Friar Lawrence's Characteristics: The Saint or the Villain?

The impact of our actions goes far beyond our own lives. Shakespeare's, Romeo and Juliet, is a story about two star-crossed lovers who commit suicide when their feuding families prevent them from being together. It takes place in the 1500's in the small town of Verona, Italy. An important aspect of the play includes the many traits of Friar Lawrence, a Franciscan of Verona. (64 words)

One of Friar Lawrence's most favorable traits is how good intentioned he is. This is the case when he is saying that the only reason he will marry Romeo and Juliet is because he hopes that the marriage will end the hostilities between the two households (P. 355). He believes that the families will stop hating each other and be peaceful. He is willing to take a risk that is crucial to his reputation for what is right. Furthermore, he tells Juliet how everything will be all right and how they can flee to Montague, where Romeo now lives (P. 397). The Friar will do something out of the ordinary if he believes the outcome will help someone for whom he cares. Being a religious and holy man the Friar believes in the good side of things. Unfortunately, for all his good intensions the play still ends in tragedy.

The less desirable trait of Friar Lawrence is that of his shortsighted side. For example, the Friar performs the marriage rites to unite them in holy marriage (P. 365). This shows extreme shortsightedness on account that they have known each other a sum of two days. When the Friar married them in secrecy he did not think of all the complications that must arise, but instead