Romeo and Juliet – Friar Lawrence

Who is Friar Lawrence A monk, who also helps people with their problems. A father figure to Romeo. Romeo confides in him. Gives advice to Romeo and Juliet
Friar says that Romeo’s tears shed for Rosaline were wasted he has already moved on to Juliet. ‘Hath wash’d thy sallow cheeks for Rosaline! How much salt water thrown away in waste’
Says Romeo and Juliet’s marriage will unite the two feuding families and .. change the .. ‘households’ rancour to pure love’
Warns Romeo not to rush into the marriage so fast ‘Wisely and slow, they stumble that run fast’
He is a sensible man with common sense He is surprised that Romeo has ‘so soon forsaken’ Rosaline and has moved on to Juliet
Shakespeare uses foreshadowing in the Friar’s language to show that their marriage could result in a disaster although Romeo and Juliet are so keen to get married. ‘These violent delights have violent ends’
Friar is annoyed that Romeo is being ungrateful as the Prince decided that he will be BANISHED not killed ‘O deadly sin! O rude unthankfulness!..This is dear mercy, and thou seest it not’
He can be cowardly as he abandons Juliet in the tomb so that he won’t be caught and get in to trouble ‘I dare no longer stay’