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At the end of the play, the prince says that some will ve pardoned and some will be punished. Out of the surviving characters at the end of the play, which character most deserves to bbe pardoned (forgiven) and which most deserves to be punished? why? supports your answer with evidence from the play of romeo and juliet.

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At the end of "Romeo and Juliet," the resolution of tragic events prompts the prince to declare that some will be pardoned while others will be punished. Among the surviving characters, Friar Laurence most deserves to be pardoned, while Lord Capulet arguably deserves to be punished.

Friar Laurence: Deserving of Pardon

Evidence for Pardoning:

  1. Well-Intentioned Actions: Friar Laurence’s motivations throughout the play are rooted in a desire to bring peace between the Montagues and Capulets. His plan to secretly marry Romeo and Juliet is intended to unite their feuding families. He says, “For this alliance may so happy prove / To turn your households' rancor to pure love” (Act 2, Scene 3). His intentions are noble, albeit flawed in execution.

  2. Attempt to Help Juliet: When Juliet finds herself in a desperate situation, Friar Laurence devises a plan for her to escape her predicament, providing her with potion to fake her death. Though the plan ends tragically, it shows that he was attempting to support Juliet in a dire situation.

  3. Maturity in Adversity: By the end of the play, Friar Laurence takes responsibility for his role in the tragic outcome and tries to explain the events to the prince, highlighting the larger issues at play—the hatred between the two families. His remorse and willingness to step forth and explain indicates a deeper understanding of the consequences of their actions.

Lord Capulet: Deserving of Punishment

Evidence for Punishment:

  1. Role in the Feud: Lord Capulet's insistence on maintaining the feud with the Montagues contributes to the environment of hatred that ultimately leads to the tragic deaths of his daughter and Romeo. His stubbornness is evident when he responds angrily to Tybalt after he expresses his desire to confront Romeo during the Capulet party, yet the underlying conflict remains.

  2. Forcing Juliet's Will: Capulet shows a lack of regard for Juliet's feelings when he insists that she marry Paris, threatening her with disownment if she refuses. He exclaims, “My fingers itch” (Act 3, Scene 5), indicating a readiness to resort to physical punishment should she defy him. This disregard for her autonomy is a direct catalyst for her desperate actions.

  3. Failure to Resolve Conflict: Instead of advocating for peace with the Montagues, Capulet's unwavering commitment to the feud fosters an environment of hostility that ultimately leads to the tragic resolution of the play. His inability to recognize the consequences of prolonging the family feud illustrates his failure as a patriarch and community leader.

In conclusion, while Friar Laurence deserves pardon for his sincere but misguided attempts to promote love and peace, Lord Capulet deserves punishment for his role in perpetuating division and for his oppressive treatment of Juliet. The tragic outcomes in the play ultimately underscore the devastating effects of family feuds and the responsibilities of individuals within them.