In this quote, Friar Laurence is commenting on Romeo's rapid shift of affection from Rosaline to Juliet. The Friar suggests that Romeo’s feelings are superficial and based more on appearance than on genuine emotion. By saying “Is Rosaline, that thou didst love so dear, / So soon forsaken?” he implies that Romeo’s previous love for Rosaline was not as deep as he believed. He points out that young men often fall in love with physical beauty rather than true connection, which he encapsulates in the line “Young men’s love then lies / Not truly in their hearts, but in their eyes.”
Evidence from the text supports this interpretation as Friar Laurence observes Romeo's impulsiveness in love, indicating that his affections can be fleeting and easily swayed by physical attraction. This perspective reveals a deeper message about the nature of love in youth—suggesting that it can be transient and influenced by superficial characteristics rather than emotional depth.
Throughout the play, Romeo's behavior reflects this notion; he quickly moves from mourning Rosaline to passionately pursuing Juliet. This swift transition illustrates the Friar's point about the fickle nature of youthful love, emphasizing that it can be more fixated on beauty and desire than on lasting commitment. The Friar's skepticism about Romeo's feelings serves as a critique of the impulsive romanticism that often characterizes young love.