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1. 
   amethystrose Teacher
   High School - 9th Grade

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   I answered this question before, but here it is again. 

   The Friar is saying that all things have the potential for both help and for harm (virtue and vice).  His soliloquy is while he is picking herbs for his potions, but the properties do not relate strictly to plants.  No matter what good qualities something (or someone) possesses, if they are misused for any reason, the result may be more harmful than helpful.  You've heard of "too much of a good thing...", right?  This idea will fit both Romeo and Juliet as the play progesses (foreshadowing) because, for them, too much love, no matter how wonderful it may be, once it is "misapplied" (becomes obsessive) will turn out to be disastrous.  For them, "virtue itself turns vice" and they both commit suicide for love.

   Sources:

   http://www.enotes.com/romeo/act-ii-commentary

   http://www.enotes.com/romeo/act-ii-scenes-3-4-summary-ana...

   http://www.enotes.com/romeo/lawrence-character-analysis

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   Posted by amethystrose on Friday April 25, 2008 at 11:50 AM