Question

Choose one of the following essay prompts. I. In Act IV, Scene 1 of Romeo and Juliet, Juliet cries, “O, bid me leap, rather than marry Paris . . . And I will do it without fear or doubt.” Both Romeo and Juliet seek out Friar Lawrence for counsel during their difficulties. How does he affect their decisions, and eventually, the outcome of the play? Write an essay analyzing the cause-and-effect relationship between the two lovers and Friar Lawrence. You may want to address why Friar Lawrence marries the two in the first place, and the results of his advice throughout the story. The introduction of your essay should include an attention-getter and thesis statement. The body of your essay should explore how and why Friar Lawrence orchestrates many of the developments in the plot. Close your essay with an overall conclusion, including a restatement of the thesis. II. By the end of Romeo and Juliet, Paris and Romeo, both of whom loved Juliet, are dead. The two characters, however, are very different. Write an essay comparing and contrasting the two men. The introduction of your essay should include an attention-getter and thesis statement. The body of your essay should provide examples of similarities and differences regarding their attitudes toward love, traditions, and fidelity, as well as their actions. Close your essay with an overall conclusion, including a restatement of the thesis. Select the link to access the English Essay Rubric.
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Answer 1

In Act IV, Scene 1 of Romeo and Juliet, Juliet expresses her desperation to avoid marrying Paris and tells Friar Lawrence that she would rather leap to her death than go through with it. This scene highlights the important role that Friar Lawrence plays in the decisions and outcomes of the two lovers. Throughout the play, Friar Lawrence acts as a mentor and confidant to Romeo and Juliet, providing guidance and advice that ultimately shapes the tragic events that unfold.

Friar Lawrence’s decision to marry Romeo and Juliet in secret serves as a catalyst for the rest of the play. He believes that their union has the potential to bring peace between the feuding families and agrees to help them despite the risks involved. This decision sets off a chain of events that leads to tragedy, as the lovers’ secret marriage ultimately fuels the conflicts between the Capulets and Montagues.

Furthermore, Friar Lawrence’s advice to Juliet to fake her own death in order to avoid marrying Paris has disastrous consequences. Although his intentions are to help Juliet escape a forced marriage, his plan ultimately leads to the deaths of both Romeo and Juliet. Friar Lawrence’s involvement in their scheme highlights his flawed judgment and the unintended consequences of his actions.

In the end, Friar Lawrence’s influence on Romeo and Juliet’s decisions leads to their tragic fate. His misguided attempts to help the young lovers only serve to exacerbate the conflicts and misunderstandings that ultimately result in their deaths. Friar Lawrence’s well-meaning but misguided actions contribute to the overall tragedy of the play.

In conclusion, Friar Lawrence’s counsel and decisions play a pivotal role in the outcome of Romeo and Juliet. His motivations are rooted in a desire for peace and love, but his actions ultimately lead to tragedy. Friar Lawrence’s influence on Romeo and Juliet highlights the complex and intertwined relationships between the characters, and serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of well-intentioned but misguided advice.