Why did Friar Laurence agree to marry Romeo and Juliet in secret?

Remembering that their families - Motague and Capulet - were feuding, Friar Laurence agreed to marry the two teenagers in the hope that the families would make amends on the account that the youngest of their houses had seen past their differences. However, the Friar does not publicise the fact that the two are married, for fear of blame and contempt, and so the marriage is kept a secret until the two lovers die. Some argue that Romeo and Juliet would both have survived had Friar Laurence agreed to marry them, but not kept their marriage a secret.

SB
Answered by Sophie B. English tutor

30926 Views

See similar English GCSE tutors

Related English GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How is drama created in Act 3, Scene 3, of Shakespeare's 'Othello'?


GCSE To Kill A Mockingbird Question - Who are the mockingbird figures in the novel and what is their significance to the novel as a whole?


How should I answer an essay question?


How do I add contextual knowledge about the text into my answers?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning