Friar Lawrence

Question 1

What is a Friar?

Answer 1

A Friar is a religious man similar to a monk. They can do some of the things priests do, e.g. perform weddings.

Question 2

Which of these adjectives best describes Friar Lawrence’s behaviour in the play?
A. rude
B. intelligent
C. perfectionist
D. romantic

Answer 2

B. Friar Lawrence is an intelligent man — his first speech in Act 2, Scene 3 emphasises this by showing that he knows the “true qualities” of herbs, plants and stones.

Question 3

Why do you think Juliet is allowed to visit Friar Lawrence by herself?

Answer 3

Friar Lawrence is a member of the Church and is considered respectable by society. This means Juliet is allowed to visit him on her own, despite being unmarried and female.

Question 4

At first, Friar Lawrence is very sceptical about Romeo’s plans to marry Juliet.
Why is this?

Answer 4

Friar Lawrence is sceptical because he knows Romeo recently thought he was in love with Rosaline. He says that young men’s love lies “in their eyes” not “in their hearts” and calls Romeo a “young waverer” — he thinks Romeo’s love is shallow and suspects he will change his mind about Juliet too.

Question 5

Do you think Friar Lawrence is a good father figure to Romeo?
Explain your answer.

Answer 5

• You could have said that
  Friar Lawrence is a good
  father figure. He offers
  advice and support to
  Romeo. He isn’t afraid to
  challenge him when his
  behaviour is ridiculous.
• You could have said that
  Friar Lawrence isn’t a good
  father figure. In letting
  Romeo marry Juliet, he
  prioritises ending the feud
  over Romeo’s safety and
  wellbeing.