1. Act II, Scene iii - Summary
Friar Laurence speaks a lengthy meditation on the duality of good and evil that exists in nature
This alerts us to the fact that he has a deep knowledge of the properties of plants and herbs
Romeo arrives, tells him of his love for Juliet and asks the Friar to marry them later that day
The Friar is amazed and concerned at the speed with which Romeo has transferred his love from Rosaline to Juliet
But he agrees to marry the couple hoping it will ease the feud between the families

2. Conflict between Good and Evil
The dual nature within the Friar’s plants suggests a coexistence of good and evil: “Virtue itself turns vice, being misapplied; / And vice sometimes by action dignified.”
The tension between good and evil is a constant force in this play
The Friar is a good example as his intentions are good, in that he wishes to end the feud, but his plan precipitates the tragic end to the play
He is naive in his underestimation of the feud and the workings of fate

3. Friar and Romeo The Friar acts as a father figure to Romeo
He is the only person to whom Romeo can confide the secret of his love for Juliet and his plans to marry
He also knew about his love for Roseline, and yet Romeo’s parents did not
Equally he cares about Romeo offering him advice

4. Love
The Friar’s disbelief at the speed of Romeo’s love for Rosaline turning to love of Juliet causes us to question if his love is genuine
He describes Romeo as a ‘young waverer’
This suggests Romeo’s emotions fluctuate
Although Romeo may appear superficial at this stage he will prove his love for Juliet throughout the action of the play

5. Romeo’s Flaw
Romeo is typically impulsive and wants to be married that day
The Friar advises caution, reminding Romeo of the love he recently had for Rosaline and the speed with which he has abandoned that love
Romeo’s flaw is that he acts without thought and impulsively follows his emotions

6. Writing task
Read Act II Scene iii closely once more, then write brief answers to the following:
What does Friar Laurence’s opening speech tell us about him, and his views on nature..?
What does this scene tell us about Romeo’s character (and Friar Laurence’s opinion of him..)