e/ Among a sisterhood of holy nuns: /Stay not to question, for the watch is coming;/ Come, go, good Juliet, I dare no longer stay.”(Act 5, Scene 3, 156-159). Friar Laurence’s selfishness made him leave the tomb in fear that he could end up in trouble, if he stayed longer he could have kept Juliet from committing suicide. After he leaves the tomb he is confronted by the Capulets and the Prince. “And I here stand both to impeach and purge/ myself condemned and myself excused.” (Act 5, Scene 3, 226-227) Friar Laurence feeling shameful for the carelessness of his actions confesses what has happened and blames himself for the tragedy. Again Friar Laurence failed to take action when Friar John tells him that Romeo did not receive the message. “...But he which bore my letter, Friar John,/ Was stay’d by accident, and yesturnight/ Returned my letter back...” (Act 5, scene 3, 250-251). If the Friar had acted sooner, he had several options. He could have warned Romeo of what had happened, or gone to Juliet’s tomb sooner, however he failed once again to succeed in his plans. If the Friar would have taken action sooner when he heard news of his message not being delivered, the tragedy could have been avoided.The rushed marriage, the ill-planning and carelessness of Friar Laurence lead to the death of Romeo and Juliet. Several references are made to the fate of Romeo, however, this tragedy could have been avoided if the Friar had given a little more thought to the course of his actions. There will be much controversy over what or who was responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, but many clues are left by Shakespeare which point in the direction of Friar Laurence. The responsibility of their deaths will continue to be debated for many years to come. “ For never was a story of more woe/ than this of Juliet and her Romeo” (Act 5, scene 3, 309-310)...
