ny important occasions help bring forth the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. The Friar arrives at Juliet’s tomb just in time to see her awake with Romeo, and Paris dead by her side. His only attempt to inform Juliet of what has happened and comfort her is:...Come, come away.Thy husband in thy bosom there lies dead; And Paris too. Come, I'll dispose of theeAmong a sisterhood of holy nuns:Stay not to question, for the watch is coming;Come, go, good Juliet, I dare no longer stay. (5.3.156-159) Not only does the Friar display no grief, but at Juliet’s refusal to leave, the Friar abandons her merely because he fears his punishment. Friar Laurence also displays his egotistical nature in his refusal to acknowledge the need to contact either Montague or Capulet about what is happening. Although he knows that the two household leaders are the only people who can do something about the situation, he also realizes they have the power to destroy the life he has created for himself if either disagrees with what he has done. Without consent of the parents, such a marriage is not usually allowed to take place but, hoping to be praised for his work, Friar Laurence unites the two youth to aid their parent’s strife. Without the self-centred acts of the Friar, Romeo and Juliet would never marry one another, and therefore, their love could not be destroyed.Although he feels for Romeo and Juliet, Friar Laurence’s actions ultimately cause the downfall of the couple. The Friar goes against his better judgement in uniting Romeo and Juliet not only giving Juliet death in a bottle, but also leaving when she needs him most. Although the Friar always intended the best for Romeo and Juliet, the infamous play nevertheless concludes with tragedy. It is for this reason that the heartbreak of Romeo and Juliet will forever have a place in history as a masterpiece and will continue to set the standard for tremendous literature....
