The friar Flashcards
‘the earth, that’s nature’s mother, os her tomb / what is her burying, grave that is her womb
A2
-rhyming couplets - Friar Lawrences use of rhyming couplets ‘tomb’ and ‘womb’ emphasise the interconnectedness between life and death. He suggests that the earth, often viewed as a tomb for the deceased is paradoxically also the source of new life. In the face of inevitable tragedy, it offers a glimmer of hope for the audience by emphasising the potential of renewal and regeneration - even in the face of the destruction of Romeo and Juliet lays hope for the renewal of their love in another realm
-personification - through his use of personification, he portrays the earth and its celestial bodies as wise entities. The cycle of death and rebirth, symbolised by the earths actions, demonstrates humanities inevitable partaking in this relentless cycle. This reinforces the influence of fate and inherent wisdom of the earth, emphasising the friar to have profound insight and an omniscient understanding of nature, life and death.
‘so tortured by my art’
A5
-connotations - as ‘art’ connotes creation, it illustrates how the pious friar is distraught in manipulating gods natural process of creation in life and death. He is so preoccupied with preserving gods natural order (chain of being) he is likely distraught that he has perverted gods intended plan. Taking on the role of god, especially in the choice of who lives and dies would have been classed as the ultimate sin to a religious Elizabethan audience. By attempting to manipulate life and death, the friar may fear he has strayed from his religious role. This internal struggle depends the tragedy as even a holy man like friar Laurence becomes entangled in the web of death and destruction that consumes Verona.
‘good morning father’
A2 said by Romeo
-paternal figure - while friar Laurence is indeed a priest, his role extends beyond mere religious duties, serving as a nuanced symbol of paternal guidance for Romeo as he seeks solace and comfort in the friar.
-role 1 - friar Laurence fulfils his role as religious advisor, offering guidance and support to Romeo In matters of love and morality - he acts as divine guidance and moral reflection
-role 2 - Friar Laurence becomes a surrogate father figure for Romeo, offering him solace and understanding in the absence of his own paternal guidance. His surrogate role emphasises the destructive power of familial feuds in every aspect of life.
