Response: Romeo and Juliet

What does Friar Lawrence really think? Is his decision to marry Romeo and Juliet ethical? 

         Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare is a comedy and tragic love story. Romeo and Juliet are from two very different households, these households have a ancient hatred towards each other. The story is about what happens when Romeo and Juliet fall in love.

         In this story, many of the characters influence Romeo and Juliet's love. One of those characters are Friar Lawrence, the priest. Friar Lawrence is presented as a trusted holy man who many of the characters look up too. His role in the story as an adviser and helping hand highlights the conflict. Overall, Friar Lawrence seems to doubt Romeo and Juliet's love. His decision to marry Romeo and Juliet can be viewed in different ways: ethical and unethical. 

         Friar Lawrence seems to have uncertainty regarding Romeo and Juliet's love. For example, he says, "Holy Saint Francis, what a change is here! Is Rosaline, that thou didst love so dear so soon forgotten?" (2.3.69-70). Friar Lawrence seems surprised to hear about Romeo's new love when only recently, Romeo was in love with Rosaline. This line suggests that he's questioning Romeo's love. Friar Lawrence doesn't seem to approve of how Romeo has moved from Rosaline to Juliet. Friar Lawrence isn't entirely convinced. Furthermore, he says, "Young men's love then lies not truly in their hearts, but in their eyes." (2.3.71-72). When Friar Lawrence says this he means, sometimes men believe they love someone but it might just be that they are in love with the idea of someone. Friar Lawrence is saying to Romeo, maybe what Romeo feels isn't love. This also suggests that perhaps he isn't convinced. Friar Lawrence believes that what Romeo thinks is love, is really just Romeo being infatuated by Juliet.

         Friar Lawrence's decision to marry Romeo and Juliet can be considered ethical. For example, he says, "In one respect I'll assistant be, for this alliance may no happy prove to turn your household's rancor to pure love." (2.3.83-85). Friar Lawrence decided to marry Romeo and Juliet so that the ancient hatred would be left behind. He was trying to think of possible 'pros' of this situation. Friar Lawrence is a priest and holy man after all. He believed that after marrying off the two, the families would finally be at peace. 

        Friar Lawrence's decision can also be seen as unethical. This is because he seems to be unconvinced with Romeo's love and as an adviser to Romeo, he should have been more careful. He was being naive and didn't think of possible consequences. For example, he says, "These violent delights have violent ends and in their triumph die...therefore, love moderately." (2.6.9-10,14). Even though Friar Lawrence gives them warning, he should have thought more about this situation. Romeo is dumbfounded by 'love' and his emotions are heightened. Friar Lawrence should have considered many factors before marrying the two even when he had doubts. He should have listened to his doubts and further thought out this marriage decision. 

        In my opinion, Friar Lawrence's questioning on Romeo's love, should have drove him to think more about the aftermath of Romeo and Juliet's marriage. Because of Friar Lawrence's poorly though out conclusion, many terrible things came to play.