The Friar Flashcards
“Within the infant rind of this small flower/ Poison hath residence, and medicine power” (A2S3)
By referencing nature, the Friar is revealing to the audience that there are positive and negative sides to everything, because plants can be used for both healing and poisonous purposes. This can be likened to the situation between the Capulets and Montagues; within opposition, Romeo and Juliet are still able to fall in love. It foreshadows the ending of the play
“For this alliance may so happy prove, // To turn your households’ rancor to pure love.” (A2S4)
This quote displays the Friar’s good intentions, however in the end of the play he is proved wrong, as it is in fact the death of the two lovers which unites the Montagues and Capulets, instead of their marriage.
“For by your leaves, you shall not stay alone,
Til Holy Church incorporate two in one.” (A2S4)
A major theme of the novels is the imagery and reference to pairings, and naturally Romeo and Juliet’s relationship is the central pairing of the play. The phrase “incorporate two in one” reflects this semantic field of pairings, and suggests that the Friar is a key motivator in their relationship.
