Friar Lawrence devises a plan for Romeo to avoid immediate danger after he is banished from Verona and to eventually reunite with Juliet. The key components of this plan include:
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Going to Mantua: Friar Lawrence instructs Romeo to flee to Mantua, where he can live in hiding until it is safe for him to return.
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Staying Low and Making a Plan: While in Mantua, Friar Lawrence encourages Romeo to stay out of sight and wait for news. The Friar intends to communicate with Romeo and eventually arrange a way for him to return to Juliet.
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A Potion for Juliet: The Friar also plans to give Juliet a potion that will make her appear dead for 42 hours. This will allow her to avoid marrying Paris, as she can be laid to rest in the Capulet family tomb.
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Reunion after Awakening: Once Juliet takes the potion and falls into a death-like sleep, the Friar hopes that Romeo will be informed of her true condition. After she awakens, they can escape together.
This plan is critical to the storyline, as it reflects both Friar Lawrence's attempts to help the young lovers and the tragic miscommunications that ultimately lead to their demise.