Blog #6

In my opinion, Friar Lawrence is a peacemaker. At the beginning of the Act 2 Scene 3, he spoke to himself. In his words, he mentioned that: "Two such opposed kings encamp them still in man as well as herbs, grace and rude will;... Full soon the canker death eats up that plant."(p.77) I think this sentence implied about the two family, Capulets and Montagues. Lawrence does not think the hatred between two families is a good thing, because the results of them will like the plant that was eaten up by the canker death.

Also in page 80, Lawrence said that: " But come, young waverer, come go with me, In one respect I'll thy assistant be; For this alliance may so happy prove To turn your households' rancor to pure love." From this quote, it clearly states the fact that Lawrence is a peacemaker and he wants to do something in order to improve the relationship between Montagues and Capulets.

In the Act 2 Scene 6, when Romeo said that he just wanted the holy words from Friar Lawrence so that Juliet could be his wife, Lawrence stated that:" These violent delights have violent ends, And in their triumph die, like fire and powder, Which as they kiss consume. The sweetest honey is loathsome in his own deliciousness, And in the taste confounds the appetite. Therefore love moderately: long love doth so; Too swift arrives as tardy as too slow."(p. 101) This sentence showed that Lawrence is a knowledgeable person. Just like fire and powder, the violent delights will have violent ends. For the person who know about this, it is hard for them to become a troublemaker. Because there is no way for them to do things that go against their personal faith or concept.

Lawrence is also a traditional friar. At the beginning of Act 2 Scene 6, he praised how graceful the Earth is. "The earth that's nature's mother is her tomb; And from her womb children of divers kind. We sucking on her natural bosom find;"(p. 76) And he will say "Benedicite" just like other friar in religious communities. Also, at the end of Act 2 Scene 6, he said that :"You shall not stay alone Till Holy Church incorporate two in one."(p. 102) I think as a sincere friar like him, it is impossible for him to be the one who breaks the peace in Verona.

Lawrence is not only a friend of Romeo, but also a teacher. He always teaches Romeo some life philosophy. Like in page 79 he will censure Romeo for his instant changing love. "Young men's love then lies Not truly in their hearts, but in their eyes." Also the quotes in page 101, which is the same quote in paragraph three, teaches Romeo that even in love, do not be impatient. Keep the tempo stable so that it will not ruin the love. I think for the one who is a teacher of others. They will not be a troublemaker because teachers always want to give his or her students a good impression.