Topic > Catastrophe in Romeo and Juliet: the role of Friar John

IndexRole 1: The failure to deliver the messageRole 2: The absence of Friar John and its impactConclusionBibliographyWilliam Shakespeare's tragic play, Romeo and Juliet, describes the harrowing story of love between two young people from feuding families. The play's catastrophic ending leaves readers doubting the influence of various characters in the unfolding events. One character whose role is often overlooked is Friar John. Although Friar John appears only a few times in the text, his actions, or lack thereof, play a significant role in the final catastrophe. This essay will delve into the specific instances in which Friar John's actions or inaction contribute to the disastrous outcome of the work, highlighting the implications of his failure to convey a crucial message. From the analysis of these cases it is clear that Brother John's role in the catastrophe cannot be underestimated. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayRole 1: Failure to Deliver the MessageOne of the key moments where Friar John's actions have disastrous consequences is his failure to deliver an important message to Romeo. In Act V, scene 2, Friar Laurence gives Friar John a letter to deliver to Romeo, explaining the plan to fake Juliet's death. However, Friar John is unable to deliver the message because he has been quarantined during an outbreak of a plague. This failure to convey the letter to Romeo leads to a series of misunderstandings and ultimately contributes to the tragic ends of both Romeo and Juliet. It is essential to analyze the implications of Brother John's failure to deliver the message. If Romeo had received the letter in a timely manner, he would have been aware of Juliet's plan and would have avoided her impulsive decision to take her own life. Furthermore, Juliet's awakening from the sleeping potion would not have led to her finding Romeo dead, resulting in his tragic end. Friar John's failure to fulfill his duty as a messenger therefore directly contributes to the catastrophic events that occur. Role 2: Friar John's Absence and Its Impact In addition to his inability to deliver the message, Friar John's absence during critical moments also plays a significant role in the catastrophe. Throughout the play, Friar Laurence is depicted as a trusted advisor to Romeo and Juliet, providing advice and guidance. In Act III, scene 3, Romeo seeks comfort from Friar Laurence after being banished for Tybalt's death. However, instead of Friar Laurence, Romeo meets Friar John, who is unable to provide the same level of support and understanding. Friar John's absence at this crucial moment leaves Romeo vulnerable and without adequate guidance. It is possible that, if Friar Laurence had been available to console Romeo, he would have made different choices and avoided the impulsive decision to search for Juliet in her tomb. This lack of guidance contributes to Romeo's downfall and ultimately leads to the tragic end of both young lovers. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Conclusion In conclusion, Friar John's role in the catastrophe of Romeo and Juliet cannot be overlooked. His inability to convey the crucial message and his absence at critical moments contribute significantly to the tragic events that unfold. The implications of his actions, or inaction, directly result in the untimely deaths of Romeo and Juliet. This serves as a reminder of the importance of even the smallest roles in determining the outcome of a, 2000.