Romeo and Juliet...Does Friar Lawrence Truly Believe Romeo and Juliet are in Love? Ethical vs Unethical?

As a human in this vast world, decision making is a normality we face all the time. Whether it be an easy or difficult one, we try and make the best decision possible to either benefit ourselves, or others we care for. In other words we strive to make ethical decisions, that make sense, rather than unethical ones that may seem harmful. A perfect example of unethical and ethical decision making, is Friar Lawrence in Romeo and Juliet. Romeo confronts Friar abruptly pleading for him to marry young Juliet and himself. He agrees to bond their so called "Love", but not because he truly believes they are met for each other, but because he somehow thinks their marriage will create peace among the rivalry; Montages vs, Capulets. His intentions are good, but he uses Romeo and Juliet's young "Rash Love", instead of expressing to Romeo his true feelings about their decision to get married, which are that they are moving much to fast for reality to catch up to them. Friar Lawrence is not convinced they should wed, although he does it anyway to make peace, therefore his decision is unethical and ethical at the same time.

When Romeo first comes and tells Friar Lawrence that Juliet and himself would like to make their feelings for each other official, he mentions harmony between the two rival families. He says, "In One respect I'll be your assistant be, for this alliance may no happy prove to turn your household's rancor to pure love."(2.3.98-99) He's saying that their marriage will turn their families hateful feud into peace and love. This shows that Friars intentions from the start were ethical for Verona, but not necessarily for Romeo and Juliet. Friar also says, "Wisely and slow. They stumble that run fast." (2.3.101) He is telling Romeo that Juliet and him are moving much to quick. If they do not slow down their inseparable love, will hit a bump in the road and something may happen. Lastly he says, "These violent delights have violent ends and in they triumph die... therefore, love moderately." (2.6.9-10, 14) He is saying that their strong passionate love will not end well. His words are foreshadowing what will happen by the end of the play. He is warning Romeo that they need to slow down, and stop and think rationally, so they do not create a  bigger mess of themselves and of their families. Friar is clearly not convinced that Romeo and Juliet's love for each other is a positive thing, but he is convinced that it will bond their families. His decision is unethical for Romeo and Juliet, but ethical for the fate of the Montague's and Capulets.

To conclude, Friar Lawrence proved that a decision may not always be "The right or wrong one", but can be a little of both. In Romeo and Juliet he did not decide to marry them because of their "convincing love," instead he had the destiny of the two families on his mind. His intentions were good, but he ended up acting unethically. He could have told Romeo no, and let the family feud continue, but instead he married them without thinking clearly of the fate of young Romeo and Juliet. Which is equally as important. The end of the play proves that Friar did not take time to think about the outcomes of his decision. He ended up basically killing the star crossed lovers. This shows that before making a decision, you should think about how it will affect the people it involves. If you don't, something may happen that shouldn't have. It is also very important that you keep an open mind to all the possibilities, and search for the most ethical decision before you hurt yourself or someone else.