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Character Contrasts in Romeo and Juliet

The story of Romeo and Juliet contains many contrasts between its characters. Some obvious contrasts are the pacifying Benvolio and the confrontational Tybalt. Friar Laurence, a crucial element of the story, can be described as a foil of some characters (obviously the Nurse, but also the Capulets and Montagues themselves).

Friar Laurence has several specific character traits which define his personality make him one of the more detailed characters in the play. Friar Laurence’s first trait is being educated. Friar Laurence illustrates his familiarity with classical mythology when he refers to Titan (as a sun god) in Scene 3 of the first act during his soliloquy (one of the more notable in the play). This soliloquy also enlightens the reader of his extensive knowledge of herbs (especially for the use of medicine); also in the soliloquy it is implied that humans have a capability for virtue and vice (which hints of Friar Laurence’s experience in philosophy).

Friar Laurence is thought of as a good man and truly is. He shows his affection for Romeo throughout the play, as kindness is his second trait. He assists Romeo in his pursuit to marry Juliet and assists him without any pay or compensation. It is apparent that his good deeds do bring himself joy. (Scene 6)

Wisdom is Friar Laurence’s third characteristic and is displayed throughout the play. He has an apparent aptitude towards knowledge and wisdom, and has a comprehensive perception of the world, which is shown in his Scene 3 soliloquy. His soliloquy reveals a great knowledge in herbs and a great understanding of human nature itself when he says, “Virtue itself turns vice, being misapplied; and vice sometimes by action dignified.” He uses his insight to craft intricate plans with specific procedures, all used for a complex strategy (although he does fail to perceive that this complexity does result in vulnerability for corruption and ultimate failure).

The fourth characteristic is somewhat less crucial than the third, yet still defining. In Friar Laurence’s dialogue with Romeo in Scene 3, Romeo speaks of his newfound love of Juliet. Friar Laurence is initially skeptical of this sudden change of heart, though he eventually looks past this to forgive and forget his young confidant’s impulsiveness.

Friar Laurence’s fifth trait is his concern for the young couple of Romeo and Juliet. He is concerned for them and takes a personal responsibility for the ultimate success of their marriage. He is extremely devoted to Romeo and his new wife, and is willing to expend great effort in order to see them thrive. He worries that their haste will ultimately result the failure of their marriage and he warns Romeo in Scene 3, line 94, “Wisely and slowly. They stumble that run fast.” He is ultimately correct in the prediction of this failure.

Great concern is shown for the good of the public throughout the play, his sixth and final major trait. In Scene 3, when he agrees to wed Romeo to Juliet, he primarily does this on the reason that the marriage will result in peace between the Montague and Capulet families (and thus end the unrest and violence of the clans), and overall safety of the public.

Another notable trait is his capacity for sin. He ultimately dedicated to the greater good, though to achieve this he is willing to commit sin. This is shown when he keeps the truth from the Capulets to cover up the falsity of Juliet’s “death”.

Friar Laurence contrasts both the Montagues and the Capulets. For the Capulets, both Gregory and Sampson (in the first act) and Tybalt (in all three acts he appears) show impulsiveness and the lack of foresight. The Capulet servants almost single-handedly provoke the street brawl in the story’s opening and Tybalt is stubborn in his obsession with destroying Romeo. For the Montagues, (a relatively more peace family than their counterparts, with Benvolio being a peaceable as Tybalt is quarrelsome) Abraham and Balthasar show little control, and do not attempt to prevent he street fight.

Mercutio is also a foil of Friar Laurence, in that he seems completely impulsive (as shown by his spurring on of the Act 3, Scene 1 fight with Tybalt) and is quite offensive (as seen by his teasing of the Nurse, saying “her fan's the fairer face [than her own]”).

An obvious foil to Friar Laurence is the Nurse, who is extremely informal and rude, expressing a lack of proper sense or education. The Nurse also falls short of true concern towards Juliet and her marriage.

Friar Laurence is a crucial element of the story. He displays many distinctive defining character traits and contrasts many of the other characters of the story in different ways.

-Anonymous No Copyright