Friar Lawrence

Question 1

Virtue itself turns vice being misapplied

Answer 1

Oxymoronic statements on a surface level about the natural worlds ability to heal and harm
Powerful antithesis represents ongoing emotional conflict between good + evil throughout the play
- Syntactic parallelism indicates that good intentions could lead to fatal outcomes, which inadvertently references many aspects of the play eg.
how the seemingly devastating deaths of Romeo and Juliet heal the relationship between the families
- forebodes his paradoxical role - his good intentions hasten the tragic events

Question 2

That’s my good son

Answer 2

Functions as a confidant to the protagonist

• aware of Romeo’s situation, unlike Lord Montague which delineates the strength of this bond, and the weakness, almost non-existence, of the father-son bond
• Epithet “son” presents him as a paternal figure — strength of emotional bond

Question 3

Young mens love lies not truly in their heart but their eyes

Answer 3

• Presents love as fickle, physical— represents the ephemerality and transience of love
• criticises Romeo’s impulsiveness/impetuosity

Question 4

turn your household’s rancour to pure love

Answer 4

• political undertone
• Marriage meant to be a holy union with God, however suggests a marriage for political reasons — not conforming to duties of a religious persona, at the behest of God
• Manipulating - only conforming to lovers request for his own agenda

Question 5

No warmth no breath shall testify thou livest

Answer 5

• devises a plan for Juliet
• two short clauses + repetition of no - highlights lack of preparation and thought - fails to fulfil his parental role
• no warmths - foreshadow demise that the defiance to family will result in

Question 6

A great power than we can contradict hath thwarted our intents

Answer 6

Great power - refers to fate/ god

Indefinite article - ambiguous/ lack of certainty regarding assignment of responsibility

• arguably concept of fate provides him with a convenient excuse to divulge himself of responsibility
• our - doesn’t take full responsibility - Shakespeare could be potentially blaming him for the course of the play due to his recklessness
• thwarted - powerless/ actions continually hindered and mocked by a greater power