Friar Lawrence's Significance in Romeo and Juliet Essay Example

Romeo and Juliet Friar Lawrence serves many purposes in the play Romeo and Juliet, written by Shakespeare in the 1590’s. Although at first glance Friar Lawrence may be dismissed as a minor character in the story, he is essential to the development and the outcome of the play. The Friar has a very close bond with Romeo and has an interest in bringing the Capulet and Montague feud to an end. He keeps the action moving throughout the play by helping Romeo and Juliet resolve their problems and encouraging and giving them advice. The role Friar Lawrence plays helps you understand the play by giving you a different perspective. Although his name is not in the title, Friar Lawrence is one of the most complex characters in the story, having many different roles. The Friar is a mentor to Romeo and Juliet, the sole religious figure of the play, and a very scheming man, all of these are indispensible factors leading to the outcome of the story. Throughout the story Friar Lawrence is a mentor to Romeo and Juliet and has a close bond with both of them. He considers Romeo to be somewhat like a pupil and Romeo considers him someone he can confide in. Friar Lawrence encourages Romeo and Juliet during the story and helps them with their struggles. Both Romeo and Juliet feel they can trust him with the secrecy and importance of their relationship. He is a kindhearted man and although he is giving advice and help to the couple he does not believe that it is true love due to how infatuated Romeo had been over Rosaline days before. “Is Rosaline, whom thou didst love so dear, so soon forsaken? Young men’s love then lies not truly in their hearts, but in their eyes.” (Romeo and Juliet Act 2 Scene 3) Friar Lawrence, despite the fact that he does not believe it is true love, finds reason to help them begin their journey. Not only does he help them because he admires both of them, he does it to try and mend the violent and ongoing feud between both of their families, the Capulet family