The Relationship Between Romeo And Friar Lawrence

A person’s relationships with others greatly impacts them, their decisions, their future, and their outlook on life. In Act 2 Scene 3 of the tragedy Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, a romantic young man named Romeo begins conversing with an older priest named Friar Lawrence about his newfound love for a lady named Juliet. Romeo might appear as simply a teenage boy, and Friar Lawrence may exert the attributes of a sophisticated and wise man, but despite their differences, they bear compatible qualities. Romeo and Friar Lawrence possess a highly constructive relationship, in which Romeo expresses his secrets and feelings to Friar Lawrence, and Friar Lawrence gives him advice and strives to lead Romeo on the correct moral path.
The scene
opens in the early morning with Friar Lawrence tending to his various medicinal herbs. During this time, he contemplates life and the virtues and vices life contains. Then, Romeo enters. He shares his feelings for Juliet with Friar Lawrence and asks Friar Lawrence to help them in their secret marriage. Friar Lawrence offers his opinion on the situation. Romeo eagerly confides in Friar Lawrence, which displays their trusting and open relationship. Romeo tells Friar Lawrence “When and where and how [they] met” and how they “Made exchange of vow” (lines 63-64). Romeo and Juliet’s forbidden love remains unknown to the world. Romeo chooses Friar Lawrence as the sole person to have knowledge of the relationship, thus, proving that Romeo feels very open with his secrets to Friar Lawrence. After hearing Romeo’s display of feelings, Friar Lawrence offers the guidance that Romeo seeks, by reminding Romeo that:
“Of an old tear that is not wash’d off yet. / If e’er thou was thyself and these woes thine, / Thou and these woes were all for Rosaline,” (Lines 78-80).
Before meeting Juliet, Romeo lived in a state of despair over Rosaline. Friar Lawrence mentions that Romeo seems out of character. He does is not acting like himself because Romeo is normally plagued by sorrows due to Rosaline. Friar Lawrence’s duty in their relationship is to give his input on Romeo’s lifestyle and choices. The way that Friar Lawrence aids Romeo proves how beneficial their relationship has become. Since Friar Lawrence is older than Romeo, he is wiser and has plenty of suggestions, such as “Wisely and slow, they stumble that run fast,” (Line 98). Friar Lawrence warns Romeo that if he rushes a marriage with Juliet, they will “stumble”. Friar Lawrence attempts to guide Romeo on the correct path. Romeo and Friar Lawrence care a lot about each other, so they want the best for each other. Friar Lawrence supports Romeo during the turning point in his life, just as true friends do. Romeo and Friar Lawrence have a special bond that helps them grow as people by supporting each other. In conclusion, the scene displays Romeo and Friar Lawrence’s beneficial relationship. Romeo trusts Friar Lawrence with his deepest secrets, and Friar Lawrence offers his wise advice. Friar Lawrence appears as a religious and virtuous man, while Romeo is a teen who happens to become a helpless romantic. These two characters compliment each other by challenging the other to strive for the best person they can become.