In the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, written by William Shakespeare, there are many characters and events that take part in the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. One may argue that the main reason for this tragic outcome was Tybalt or Mercutio; however, the most "poisonous" facet was Friar Laurence. Although he meant well for the two young lovers, he would eventually cause their demise.

If the Friar had informed the families of the young lovers' situation, they would not have had been forced into secrecy. Although he was hoping to unite the families by marrying the two, he would have had a better chance of uniting them if he had just told them. In the beginning of the play, when we first meet Friar Lawrence, he delivers a soliloquy (act II, scene iii) about his flowers. In it he states, "Within the infant rind of this small...