Discussion Topic
Character traits and revelations about the Friar in Romeo and Juliet
Summary:
Friar Laurence is portrayed as wise and compassionate, offering counsel to Romeo and Juliet. He believes in moderation and hopes to end the feud between the Montagues and Capulets through their union. However, his well-intentioned plans ultimately lead to tragic outcomes, highlighting his human flaws and the unintended consequences of his actions.
In act 2, scene 3 of Romeo and Juliet, what does the Friar's soliloquy reveal about him?
Act 2, scene 3 of Shakespeare's tragedyRomeo and Juliet opens with a soliloquy from Friar Lawrence, which serves as the audience's introduction to the character.
Friar Lawrence begins by setting the scene: "The grey eyed morn smiles on the frowning light." From this line, we learn that the tumultuous night of the Capulet's ball has given way to morning. He then goes on to recite his morning duties, which include tending to his plants and herbs—about which he is very knowledgeable.
Friar Lawrence is well-versed in nature and knows how to use plants to create medicines and poisons, which is the most important piece of information we learn about the Friar through this soliloquy. This mastery becomes important to the plot later in the play, and lines like:
Within the infant rind of this small flower
Poison hath residence and medicine power:
For this, being smelt, with that...
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part cheers each part;
Being tasted, slays all senses with the heart
can be read as foreshadowing of the key role that the Friar's potion to fake Juliet's death will play in act 5.
When Friar Lawrence gives his soliloquy, we learn that he knows a lot about plants and nature. Thematically, nothing can be all bad because something good can come from it.
Friar Lawrence seems to be somewhat an expert in plants in their uses, and he is also a philosopher. To him, everything has a purpose.
For naught so vile that on the earth doth live
But to the earth some special good doth give (Act 2, Scene 3)
This is an interesting speech, because Romeo and Juliet’s deaths do lead to something good in that they end the feud between the Montagues and the Capulets. Another important element to the speech is that Friar Lawrence explains that plants have many uses.
Friar Lawrence continues this theme when he basically says that virtue can turn to vice and vice to virtue.
Virtue itself turns vice, being misapplied,
And vice sometime's by action dignified.
This is also significant because he is able to use his skills to make a potion for Juliet so she can fake her death.
Within the infant rind of this small flower
Poison hath residence, and medicine power;
For this, being smelt, with that part cheers each part;(25)
Sometimes things seem to look one way, but turn out to be another. This is a theme throughout the play. The feud between the Montagues and Capulets colors their judgment, as Romeo and Juliet’s passion interferes with theirs. Everything serves a purpose, but some things can serve different ones.