Question

Read Friar Laurence’s dialogue from Act V, scene iii of Romeo and Juliet.

But he which bore my letter, Friar John,
Was stay’d by accident, and yesternight
Return’d my letter back.

Based on these lines, what role did Friar John play in the catastrophe?

He delivered Friar Laurence’s letter to the wrong person.
He continually forgot to deliver Friar Laurence’s letter.
He made the choice not to deliver Friar Laurence’s letter.
He was prevented from delivering Friar Laurence’s letter.

Answer 1

He was prevented from delivering Friar Laurence’s letter.

Explanation: “Was stay’d by accident, and yesternight return’d my letter back” means Friar John was delayed/kept from going (prevented) and so never reached Romeo.