Question

How does Friar Laurence contribute to the catastrophe in Romeo and Juliet? Check all that apply.

He convinces Juliet not to marry Paris.He informs the families about the marriage.He marries Romeo and Juliet in secret.He reveals to Romeo that Juliet is dead. He provides Juliet with the potion.

Answer 1

He provides Juliet with the potion and marries them in secret. He first marries them and keeps their love a secret. In order for them to truly be together Juliet would have to "die" (make people think she is dead). Friar Lawrence gives her the potion. He keeps their love a secret till they are both dead

Answer 2

He marries Romeo and Juliet in secret.

He provides Juliet with the potion.

These two actions of Friar Laurence contributed to the catastrophe in Romeo and Juliet. If Romeo and Juliet were never married, Juliet would not have felt trapped and desperate if she hadn't been married to Romeo. Also, if Juliet hadn't appeared to be dead, Romeo would not have taken his own life.

The statements "He convinces Juliet not to marry Paris." and "He reveals to Romeo that Juliet is dead." are incorrect. He never did these things. Friar Laurence did inform the families about the marriage but it wasn't until after the catastrophe.