Friar Laurence’s Motivations: Behind the Union of Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare's classic play "Romeo and Juliet" has captivated readers and viewers for ages. Friar Laurence, a wise and reflective monk who unexpectedly agrees to secretly marry the young lovers Romeo and Juliet, plays a crucial part in the developing narrative. At first look, it may seem contradictory for a wise character like Friar Laurence to approve such a fast coupling, but his motives are nuanced, convoluted, and intricately entwined with the play's major themes. This essay provides an exploration of Friar Laurence's motivations in marrying Romeo and Juliet, highlighting the multifaceted reasons and their significance within the context of the play.
Friar Laurence made his choice with the sincere hope that Romeo and Juliet's marriage would lead to peace between the Montague and Capulet families, who were at odds. He thinks that the bond between them that has resulted in centuries of violence and hostility may be repaired by their love. For this partnership may happily prove, he thinks, "To turn your households' rivalry into pure love."
Romeo's Real Worries
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Romeo and Friar Laurence have a close relationship; he is his confidant and spiritual leader. The Friar expects that Romeo's marriage would help him control his volatile emotions and provide him long-lasting happiness since he has undergone a significant change in attitude from his anguish over Rosaline to his ardent love for Juliet.
Concerns with Infatuation
The young lover should not be left to his irrational and impulsive impulses, the Friar would have reasoned, despite his misgivings about Romeo's swiftly shifting loves. Instead, Romeo's desires should be channeled toward a sincere marriage commitment.
A Union That Is Morally Obliging
Marriage was seen as a holy covenant in the Elizabethan period from a moral point of view. Friar Laurence may have considered that marrying Romeo and Juliet would be the most virtuous course of action, guaranteeing that their relationship was approved in the eyes of God, given that they had previously sworn their love to one another.
Underestimating the Feud's Depth
Friar Laurence may have miscalculated the intensity and durability of the Capulet-Montague animosity despite his knowledge. He could have thought that once the families learnt about the marriage, their dislike would be outweighed by their love for their offspring.
Conclusion
The choice to marry Romeo and Juliet was made by Friar Laurence for a variety of reasons, including concern, moral responsibility, naivete, and optimism. His character serves as a metaphor for the play's larger themes, which include the ability of love to overcome hatred, the conflict between youth and age, and the tragic results of well-intended actions gone wrong. The marriage ultimately solidifies Friar Laurence's status as one of the most intricate and significant characters in Shakespeare's canon, illuminating the complexities of human decision-making even if it does not have the desired reconciliatory impact. And partnership may happily prove.
References:
- William Shakespeare. Juliet and Romeo. The Shakespeare of Oxford.
- Romeo and Juliet: A Modern Perspective by Jill Levenson. Shakespeare Library at Folger.
- Jay Halio. Romeo and Juliet: A Play Guide. Shakespeare guides by Greenwood.
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Friar Laurence’s Motivations: Behind the Union of Romeo and Juliet. (2023, Aug 14). Retrieved from https://phdessay.com/friar-laurences-motivations-behind-the-union-of-romeo-and-juliet/
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