Understanding Friar Lawrence

Friar Lawrence can be best described as understanding and helpful. He is very sympathetic towards both Romeo and Juliet considering their situation. For example, when Romeo asks Friar Lawrence to marry him and Juliet, he responded, "In one respect I'll thy assistant be" (Shakespeare II. iii. 97). He, unlike Romeo's parents would, disregards the families Romeo and Juliet come from. Instead of rejecting the two lovers, he agrees to marry them, seeing the true love Romeo has shown for Juliet. Another way the priest has displayed his sympathetic views was towards Juliet. She came to him in a desperate mode looking for help. She had wished to not marry Paris. Her parents, specifically her father, try to force her to marry him. Friar Lawrence sees from her point of view and understands the struggle she is going through. He then devises a plan for her and Romeo happily away from their families. Although this plan turned disastrous and tragic, Friar Lawrence was only hoping for the best. In three words, Friar Lawrence is understanding, helpful, and caring.