Friar Laurence in Romeo and Juliet
Friar Laurence is a priest in Verona and a confidante of Romeo, He is kind, optimistic, loving, religious and believes the best of people. Romeo sees Friar Laurence as a role model, an almost father figure. Whenever Romeo has a problem, he confides in Friar Laurence and seeks his advice. When Romeo tells Friar Laurence of his love for Juliet and his wish to marry her, the Friar hopes it will be a positive end to the Montague and Capulet conflict. Throughout the play, he is optimistic and hopes the young lovers will end the fray of their fathers. His role is very similar to that of the Nurse.
| How is Friar Laurence like this? | Evidence | Analysis | |
| Wise | Friar Laurence is wise when he advises Romeo. He thinks highly of Romeo and refers to him as 'son' illustrating their close bond. He also tries to impart advice so Romeo can make the right decisions. | "Wisely and slow, they stumble that run fast." | Here, Friar Laurence is advising Romeo to think carefully and wisely about his decision to marry Juliet. This shows that Friar Laurence is wise because he is aware of what could happen. This is an example of dramatic irony, as the audience is aware that Romeo will 'stumble' and this will have tragic consequences, resulting in their deaths as the prologue to the play states. |
| Religious | As priest of Verona, Friar Laurence is religious. He believes Romeo and Juliet's marriage will unite them in the eyes of God and therefore put an end to the conflict between the two families. | "Till holy church incorporate two in one." | This shows Friar Laurence's religious views and how he believes that through marriage the Montague and Capulet households will be united by God. |
| Wise | |
|---|---|
| How is Friar Laurence like this? | Friar Laurence is wise when he advises Romeo. He thinks highly of Romeo and refers to him as 'son' illustrating their close bond. He also tries to impart advice so Romeo can make the right decisions. |
| Evidence | "Wisely and slow, they stumble that run fast." |
| Analysis | Here, Friar Laurence is advising Romeo to think carefully and wisely about his decision to marry Juliet. This shows that Friar Laurence is wise because he is aware of what could happen. This is an example of dramatic irony, as the audience is aware that Romeo will 'stumble' and this will have tragic consequences, resulting in their deaths as the prologue to the play states. |
| Religious | |
|---|---|
| How is Friar Laurence like this? | As priest of Verona, Friar Laurence is religious. He believes Romeo and Juliet's marriage will unite them in the eyes of God and therefore put an end to the conflict between the two families. |
| Evidence | "Till holy church incorporate two in one." |
| Analysis | This shows Friar Laurence's religious views and how he believes that through marriage the Montague and Capulet households will be united by God. |