Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy, but it wasn't meant to be. Romeo and Juliet is the tragic story of two star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, son and daughter of two feuding families, the Montagues and the Capulets. Written by the famous playwright Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet are set in the 14th-15th century in the cities of Verona and Mantua, cities in northern Italy. After a series of events that see Romeo banished from Verona and Juliet forced to marry an earl, Paris, they kill themselves. For centuries there has been debate over who was to blame for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. But, after carefully reading the book and consulting several sources, it is obvious who is solely responsible: Friar Laurence. Because of Friar Laurence's actions, the play ended with two grieving families instead of two happy newlyweds. Although many characters contributed to their deaths, only Friar Laurence was solely responsible. Friar Lawrence's cowardice, secrecy, and miscommunication directly led to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. The first factor that played a key role in the death of Romeo and Juliet is the fact that Friar Lawrence was a coward. When Juliet awakens after her two-day sleep only to find Romeo and County Paris dead, she is in a very unstable state. Instead of being responsible and staying with Juliet to console her and make sure she doesn't harm herself or others, he tells her he will make her become a nun “Come, come away. Your husband lies dead in your womb and so does Paris. Come, I will place you among a sisterhood of holy nuns. (5.3.166-169). The only selfish reason he wanted to make Juliet a nun is so that no one would ever find out that he had secretly married Romeo and Juliet... middle of paper... Juliet because he was a coward, secretive, and had a lack of communication with the other characters. Friar Laurence had the potential to prevent the deaths of Romeo and Juliet and instead, because of his choices, he caused them. Yes, other characters may have contributed to Romeo and Juliet's death, but Friar Laurence caused it. The blame falls solely on his soldiers. Works Cited Aubrey, Bryan. “Critical essay on 'Romeo and Juliet'.” Dramaturgy for students. Ed. Anne Marie Hacht. vol. 21. Detriot: Gale, 2005. Literature Resource Center. Network. 4 December 2013.Stirling, Brents. “Those who run fast stumble.” EXPLORING Shakespeare. Detriot: Gale, 2003. Student resources in context. Network. December 3, 2013.Kerschen, Lios. “Critical essay on 'Romeo and Juliet'.” Dramaturgy for students. Ed. Anne Marie Hacht. vol. 21. Detriot: Gale, 2005. Literature Resource Center. Network. 4 December 2013.