Question

What logical ideas does the friar use to convince Romeo not to kill himself? Lists three examples

Answer 1

In a rather lengthy speech in Act III scene 3 of this excellent tragedy, Friar Lawrence berates Romeo for trying to kill himself, and then goes on to explain to him the many reasons he should have for being happy to prevent him from trying to do it again. Note the positive spin that Friar Lawrence gives to Romeo's otherwise desperate and bleak situation:

"(What, rouse thee, man! Thy Juliet is alive,

For whose dear sake thou was but lately dead.

There art thou happy. Tybalt would kill thee,

But thou slowest Tybalt. There art thou happy.

The law, that threatened death, becomes they friend

And turns it to exile. There art thou happy.)"

Note the way the repetition of the phrase "There art thou happy" reinforces Friar Lawrence's central message of how much Romeo has to be thankful for. These separate happiness convert themselves, in his words, into a "pack of blessings light upon thy back." The Friar is thus able to convince Romeo to hold off from killing himself with hope in a future where they can make their marriage known and when Romeo and Juliet can finally be reunited for ever.

Answer 2

Friar Lawrence tries to convince Romeo that he should be grateful he won't be executed for killing Tybalt, instead of whining about being banished. When Friar Lawrence tells him he is banished, Romeo says he would rather die. Friar Lawrence chides him, telling him to be grateful that he has his life.