blog




  • Essay / Character Analysis of Friar Lawrence in Shakespeare's Play...

    There are many characters in the play Romeo and Juliet who have important roles and unique characteristics. One of these characters is Brother Lawrence, a Franciscan monk who is an expert in plants and medicines. Although the Friar does not appear in all parts of the play, he acts as an advisor to Romeo and Juliet and marries them. Being an honest, trustworthy, and loving friend, Brother Lawrence helps keep Romeo and Juliet together while maintaining character and not acting double-minded or having second nature. Throughout the latter parts of the play, Brother Lawrence's characterization remains consistent as he guides the two lovers through their problems and ultimately ends the family feud between the Capulets and the Montagues. Brother Lawrence's features first appear in Act 2, Scene 3 of the play. Romeo's old passion for Rosaline has died down and his new desire for Juliet comes to life once he meets her. Romeo rushes to Friar to tell him about his anxiety about Juliet. The friar reacts by saying: “Or, if that is not the case, then I have understood: our Romeo has not been to bed tonight” (II.iii. 44-45). This shows Friar Lawrence's concern for Romeo as a caring friend and illustrates the close bond he has with him. Whenever Romeo is in trouble, Friar is always there for him and helps him because he knows that Romeo is young and may face difficulties throughout his life. After Romeo kills Tybalt in the duel, the Prince decides that Romeo should be punished because the Capulets have lost a parent. When Romeo goes to Friar Lawrence, he learns that he is banished from Verona. “Here you are banished from Verona. Be patient, for the world is wide and wide” (III.iii.16-17). When brother says this, he says these lines calmly and middle of paper......build a golden statue of the lovers, and thus it ends the feud between the two families. With a kind heart and a strong attempt to help a married couple stay together, Brother Lawrence remains consistent in his character throughout his role in the play. Despite his attempts to get Romeo to take Juliet away from Verona and live together, he helps end the feud between the Capulets and the Montagues through his words and act of honesty. His character demonstrates that he is calm, compassionate, and hopeful. Friar's overall characterization does not change throughout the play; he remains relaxed at all times, and if something goes wrong, his reactions remain on the side of hope for Romeo and Juliet. Even though Brother Lawrence does not develop or change, his desire to keep two couples together leads him to be one of the most significant characters in the play..