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Friar Laurence's Mistakes in Romeo and Juliet

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Friar Laurence's Mistakes in Romeo and Juliet
Kevin Wint
Romeo and Juliet
March 10, 2013

In Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet, Friar Laurence is responsible for the death of Juliet. In act 4, scene 1, Friar Lawrence displays his absurdity by saying, “If… thou hast the strength of will to slay thyself… take thou this vial… no warmth, no breath shall testify thou livest.” Friar Lawrence’s plan for Juliet is audacious and somewhat irresponsible. These words show the true meaning of irresponsibility, because when he spoke this, her life is in his hands. Further, giving Friar John the letter was another faulty mistake. This mistake of Friar giving the letter to someone else is mindless, and should be dealt directly. In act 5, scene 2, “I could not send it - here it is again”. This quote thoroughly shows Friar’s foolishness, because he trusted a buffoon with the letter instead of delivering it himself. And this foolishness causes Juliet to die in misery. Others might say that Tybalt is responsible for the death of Juliet. This is true because, in act 3, scene 1. “Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries that thou hast done me; therefore turn and draw”. So if Tybalt hadn’t addressed Romeo and Mercutio, Romeo and Mercutio wouldn’t have died and Romeo wouldn’t have been banished. So if Romeo hadn’t been ostracized, Juliet wouldn’t have gone through desperate measures to avoid her marriage with Paris. Therefore, if Juliet hadn't taken Friar’s potion, Romeo wouldn't have killed Paris, or consumed the poison, Juliet wouldn't have killed herself. Therefore, I would say that Tybalt is the main reason for the deaths and tragedy in this book. To sum this up, Friar Lawrence makes many mistakes throughout this tragedy, most choices that may be deemed unjustifiable. When he made these horrible choices, he surely condemned Juliet to her death. His reckless plans, giving a letter to Friar John, leaving Juliet in the tomb, and giving Juliet a potion, were all atrocious. He continues to show his

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