Question

How does Friar Lawrence's aside, "I would I knew not why it should be slowed," reflect
dramatic irony?
Friar Lawrence’s aside reflects dramatic irony by _________. He actually wants to delay the
wedding between Paris and Juliet because __________

Answer 1

Friar Lawrence’s aside, "I would I knew not why it should be slowed," reflects dramatic irony by highlighting the disparity between what the audience knows and what the characters understand. The audience is aware that Juliet is already married to Romeo and that Friar Lawrence is trying to find a way to help her avoid marrying Paris, making his intention to delay the wedding clear. He actually wants to delay the wedding between Paris and Juliet because he seeks to protect Juliet’s autonomy and facilitate a reunion with Romeo, as he has a plan in place involving Juliet’s faked death. This creates a tension where the audience anticipates the consequences of his actions, while the other characters remain oblivious to the true situation.