Friar Lawrence is to blame for the tragic ends of Romeo and Juliet because he was aware of the risks involved with Romeo and Juliet’s union, yet he continues with the marriage. During the Renaissance period, the duties of a friar included baptism, marriage, teaching, and supplying food and other resources to the poor. However, Friar marries them in secret from the families. After Friar Lawrence agrees to marry the two lovers, he initiates the marriage with a prayer stating “So smile the heavens upon this holy act / That after-hours with sorrow chide us not!” (Shakespeare. II. vi. 1-2). Friar Lawrence foresees possible repercussions of the marriage as seen in his phrase “sorrow chide.” The phrase “sorrow chide” refers to mental suffering caused
