Tuesday, 2 February 2010

What are some quotes that prove that Friar Lawrence is the most to blame for Romeo and Juliet's death?

Consider this exchange in act 2, scene 3:


: I pray thee, chide not. Her I love now


Doth grace for grace and love for love allow.

The other did not
so.

: Oh, she knew
well

Thy love did read by rote, that could not spell.


But come, young waverer,
come, go with me,

In one respect Ill thy assistant be,

For
this alliance may so happy prove

To turn your households rancor to pure
love


Friar Lawrence, the trusted adult in this conversation, has
just spent quite a few lines questioning Romeo's motives in marryingwhen the good friar himself
has noted Romeo's pining and tears over Rosaline in recent days. Does it make sense, then, to
leap to marriage immediately after meeting Juliet? No, and Friar Lawrence could have given Romeo
counsel here. He could have encouraged Romeo to slow down and not rush to emotional action. Even
more compelling is the friar's reasoning for agreeing to this marriage: To turn the Capulet and
Montague feud into love. He is, therefore, treating

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