Friar lawrence

• What is Friar Lawrence's intention in marrying Romeo and Juliet?

  To end the civil tension between families
• What does Friar Lawrence's guidance to Romeo and Juliet suggest about his character?

  He is a trusted figure but not wholly neutral
• How does the quote about the alliance reflect Friar Lawrence's intentions?

  He believes marriage will end family rancor
• What does the Friar's role suggest about the nature of love in the play?

  Love can lead to both unity and tragedy
• What plan does Friar Lawrence help Juliet devise?

  To pretend to commit suicide
• What theme is highlighted by the phrase "incorporate two in one"?

  Imagery and reference to pairings
• How does Friar Lawrence help Juliet after she is instructed to marry Paris?

  He helps her devise a plan to reunite with Romeo
• How is Friar Lawrence characterized in relation to the families' conflict?

  He is neutral but has his own agenda
• What role does Friar Lawrence play in the action of the play?

  He marries Romeo and Juliet
• What role does Friar Lawrence play in Romeo and Juliet?

  He is a kindhearted cleric.
• How does Friar Lawrence assist Romeo and Juliet?

  He performs their marriage and gives advice.
• What is one of Friar Lawrence's key pieces of advice?

  He advises the need for moderation.
• What is Friar Lawrence's position in the play regarding religion?

  He is the sole figure of religion.
• What dual nature does Friar Lawrence embody in the play?

  He is both kindhearted and scheming.
• Why does Friar Lawrence marry Romeo and Juliet?

  To end the civil strife in Verona.
• How does Friar Lawrence facilitate Romeo's escape?

  He spirits Romeo into Juliet’s room.
• What plan does Friar Lawrence devise to reunite Romeo and Juliet?

  He uses a deceptive ruse of a sleeping potion.
• What is notable about Friar Lawrence's mystical knowledge?

  It seems out of place for a Catholic friar.
• What is the outcome of Friar Lawrence's well-intentioned plans?

  They lead to the fated tragedy of the play.
• How does Friar Lawrence relate to the theme of fate in the play?

  He brings about the fate that dominates the play.
• What are the main characteristics of Friar Lawrence in Romeo and Juliet?

  • Kindhearted cleric
  • Scheming and political
  • Sole religious figure
  • Provides marriage and advice
  • Plans to end civil strife
  • Uses mystical knowledge
• Within the infant rind of this weak flowerPoison hath residence and medicine power. (II.iii.)
• Within the infant rind of this weak flowerPoison hath residence and medicine power. (II.iii.)

  Friar Laurence is introduced as he tends to his medicinal herbs. He will later draw on his knowledge of herbs to help Juliet escape her marriage to Paris. One of the central themes of Romeo and Juliet is the inseparability of good and evil, and here the Friar explains that poison and medicine can be extracted from the same plant. The mention of poison foreshadows Romeo’s death.
• For this alliance may so happy prove,To turn your households’ rancor to pure love. (II.iv)
• For this alliance may so happy prove,To turn your households’ rancor to pure love. (II.iv)

  Friar Laurence agrees to marry Romeo and Juliet, and these lines explain his motive. He hopes that the lovers’ marriage will put an end to the feud between their families. However, these lines also serve to remind the audience that according to the Prologue it is not the lovers’ “alliance” but their deaths that will “end their parents’ strife.”
• For by your leaves, you shall not stay alone,Til Holy Church incorporate two in one. (II.vi)
• For by your leaves, you shall not stay alone,Til Holy Church incorporate two in one. (II.vi)

  With these lines, the Friar leads Romeo and Juliet to their marriage ceremony. Romeo and Juliet frequently emphasizes pairs coming together to function as one: sex and violence, poison and cure. The play’s central pairing, of course, is the pairing of the two lovers. These lines explicitly remind us that by marrying, Romeo and Juliet become one in the eyes of God and the law.