Question

PLEASE HELP ASAP!

Write a 1 page essay about the following prompt:

Who is one person to blame for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet? Include 3 pieces of evidence to support your response.

Your response should be written as a short essay using MLA format. You may go over the one page limit, but your response needs to be minimum of 1 page.

Help is greatly appreciated!!!

Answer 1

The play, Romeo and Juiette, by William Shakesphere is a tragedy about two young star crossed lovers whose death ultimately reconciles their feuding families, which is revealed through Friar Lawrence’s involvement in the death of the two characters. He assists Romeo and Juliet throughout the play as a kind-hearted cleric. Friar Lawrence is not the antagonist, but instead a kindhearted character whose only goal was to help. He officiates Romeo and Juliet’s wedding and generally has wise counsel to provide, particularly when it comes to the importance of moderation. He comes up with the plan to get Romeo and Juliet back together using the deceitful ruse of a sleeping potion that appears to come from almost mystical wisdom. Although all of Friar Lawrence's plans appear to be well-intentioned, they actually act as the primary catalysts for the play's fated disaster. The play's central fate is not just susceptible to Friar; in many respects, he also influences it. Friar Lawrance states, ‘Within the infant rind of this weak flower Poison hath residence and medicine power”(II.iii). Inseparability of good and evil is one of the play’s major themes, and in this passage, the Friar describes how one plant may be used to produce both poison and medicine. The reference to poison portends Romeo's demise. Friar states, “For this alliance may so happy prove, To turn your households’ rancor to pure love” (II.iv). The reason Friar Laurence consents to marry Romeo and Juliet is revealed in these lines. He believes that once the couple is married, the conflict between their families will be resolved. These sentences also serve to remind the audience that the Prologue states that the lovers' deaths, not their union, will put an end to their parents' conflict. Friar Lawrence warns Romeo and Juliet by stating, “Wisely and slow. They stumble that run fast." He cautions against haste and impulsivity when it comes to love, yet he is advocating for their marriage by helping them out, therefore his words hold no value. Friar Lawrance may have had good intentions, but his interference ultimately led to the death of Romeo and Juliet.

Step-by-step explanation:

With MLA format it is one page

Answer 2

The tragic deaths of Romeo and Juliet can be attributed to one person: Friar Lawrence. Friar Lawrence is to blame for the deaths of both Romeo and Juliet because he masterminded their plan to fake Juliet's death and violated his own oath as a member of the clergy. He was willing to go against the chief authority in society, the Prince, and betray his own sense of morality in order to bring about a reconciliation between the two families.

The first piece of evidence supporting the blame of Friar Lawrence is his involvement in crafting a dangerous plan to reunite Romeo and Juliet. He suggested that Juliet take a potion that would make her appear dead in order to avoid marrying Paris and reunite with Romeo instead. The effects of the potion could not be accurately predicted and if Romeo had received the letter informing him earlier, it may have been possible to save Juliet’s life. This alone demonstrates Friar Lawrence’s reckless disregard for the safety of Romeo and Juliet.

Second, Friar Lawrence broke his oath as a religious man when he married Romeo and Juliet without obtaining permission from the parents. Moreover, despite knowing the deep enmity between the Capulet and Montague family, he still shared his plan with the couple instead of talking them out of it. His disregard for the law and his authority implies that he was more concerned about the two families being reunited than the well-being of Romeo and Juliet.

Finally, Friar Lawrence failed to recognize the fragility of young romance and betrayal. Both Romeo and Juliet were deeply in love, but desperate and vulnerable in the face of their families' antagonism and rigid authority. Friar Lawrence was aware of this, yet still encouraged the two to go through with the dangerous plan, thereby not only worsening the situation but also taking advantage of their naivety and innocence.

Overall, it is clear that Friar Lawrence played a large role in the untimely deaths of Romeo and Juliet. He masterminded an ill-conceived plan, violated his own oath, and failed to protect the two young lovers. In doing so, he was ultimately responsible for Romeo and Juliet’s demise.