Analyze how ONE main character's attempts to solve a problem were important to the text as a whole.

Essay by kaisersongHigh School, 11th gradeA, March 2007

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In the text ‘Romeo and Juliet’ by William Shakespeare there are various characters that contribute to make the text develop suspense and deliver themes of the text to the audience. However I believe that in ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Friar Lawrence has the most significant contribution to the text. His various attempts to solve the problem that arises between Romeo and Juliet are unsuccessful however effectively deliver themes and builds suspense in the text. This makes it important to the text as a whole.

Firstly, Friar Lawrence agrees to marry Romeo and Juliet. This acts as the root of all the problems later on in the text. Friar Lawrence I believe acted just as hastily as Romeo did in deciding to marry the couples. By marrying them he hoped to end the “ancient grudge” between the Montagues and the Capulets. This grudge worsens and causes the death of Tybalt and Mercutio despite warnings from Prince Escalus. “If ever you disturb our streets again, your lives shall pay for the forfeit of the peace.” Therefore the Friar’s hope of achieving peace through marriage between Romeo and Juliet was unrealistic. This marriage acts as the beginning of the building of suspense and the audience are able to foresee the obvious result of this, death. This makes it more interesting to the audience who perhaps want a twist in the final outcome. Therefore the attention of the audience is held which is important to the text as a whole since the purpose of a drama script is to entertain and interest the audience.

Secondly, the marriage between Romeo and Juliet now starts to cause problems. Lord Capulet decides to marry Juliet to Paris unaware of the matrimonial bond to Romeo. This causes Juliet to worry as second marriage in that era was regarded...