Question

Why does Shakespeare have Friar Lawrence leave Juliet in the tomb? a. Friar Lawrence's entrance and exit does not matter to the story. b. If Friar Lawrence had stayed, he would have been caught and punished. c. If Friar Lawrence had stayed, he would have stopped Juliet from killing herself.

Answer 1

Friar Lawrence leaves Juliet in the tomb as b. If Friar Lawrence had stayed, he would have been caught and punished.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," Friar Lawrence leaves Juliet in the tomb because he fears the consequences of being discovered at the scene of the tragedy. His departure is influenced by the risk of being implicated in the events surrounding Romeo and Juliet, given his role in their secret marriage and other clandestine actions. Staying would have exposed him to potential punishment and revealed the truth about the secret relationship, leading to further complications.

Additionally, by leaving Juliet in the tomb, Shakespeare allows for the tragic ending of the play. If Friar Lawrence had stayed, he may have been able to prevent Juliet from killing herself. However, her death is a crucial element of the play's plot and themes, as it showcases the devastating consequences of the feud between the Capulets and Montagues.